Water resources adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has assured that the interim government will take the necessary steps to address the Teesta River Agreement.
Following a meeting with a World Bank delegation led by its country director Abdoulaye Seck at the water resources ministry on Wednesday (August 21), Rizwana responded to journalists' questions about the treaty.
When asked about the extent of her engagement with India on this issue, she said, "I will do whatever is necessary. I will not hesitate to advocate for Bangladesh's rightful claims over the Teesta River."
She added that the government would engage directly with the people of the Teesta region to understand their concerns.
"The Joint River Commission handles negotiations, but we will ensure that the voices of the people living along the Teesta are heard," Rizwana said.
She also noted that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed support for ensuring water access for the people of the region.
Rizwana emphasised the importance of international law in addressing river disputes.
She cited the 1997 UN Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, which took 17 years to gain 36 signatures, as evidence of the global complexities involved.
She reassured the people of Bangladesh that their rights would be protected and that the government would advocate for their interests both domestically and internationally.
Rizwana also confirmed that talks with India would be necessary to address the Teesta issue, as well as other bilateral river agreements and the renewal of the Ganga Pact.