Bangladesh and China will complete the feasibility study for the proposed Teesta mega project as quickly as possible to pave the way for construction, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has said.
Speaking to reporters after returning from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's official visit to China, which he accompanied, the minister said Beijing had agreed to conduct the feasibility study in collaboration with Bangladesh.
“China has agreed to conduct a feasibility study for the Teesta project. We will work jointly with them to complete the entire study,” he said.
Anee said the government would decide the project's implementation timeline after the study was completed and aimed to present the Teesta development plan to the public as soon as possible.
“Based on China’s support for the Teesta project, we will make our decisions very soon regarding the timeline. We intend to present the Teesta development plan to the people at the earliest opportunity. We have given special attention to ensuring that work on the project can begin within this budget, God willing,” he said.
The minister said Bangladesh had also sought China's cooperation in the overall management of its river systems, noting that several rivers are shared by the two countries and require coordinated management.
“We have also sought China’s cooperation in the overall management of our river systems. Since China is connected to several of these rivers, we will coordinate and make the necessary adjustments,” he said.
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's meetings in Beijing, Anee said the Teesta project featured prominently in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and China's Minister of Water Resources.
He said officials from both countries agreed that the long-delayed project should now move towards implementation.
The minister said the project was vital for improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of people living in the Teesta basin, who had endured hardship for many years.
“Hundreds of thousands of people living in the Teesta basin have suffered for many years. To address their hardships, it is essential to turn the project into reality. For that, technical assistance from China is necessary, and China has agreed to conduct a feasibility study,” he said.
Anee also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Bangladesh and China, saying bilateral ties were established in 1976 under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He added that former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia visited China seven times, further strengthening relations between the two countries.
“China values this long-standing relationship, and we also hold it in high regard,” he said.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Malaysia and China from 21 to 26 June on his first overseas tour since taking office. During the China leg of the visit, he attended the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos in Dalian before travelling to Beijing for bilateral meetings with the Chinese leadership. He returned to Bangladesh on 26 June.
.jpg "PM may reshuffle ministers, appoint advisers: Zahed")
