Vikrant Shekhawat : Sep 06, 2024, 05:00 PM
India-Bangladesh Relation: Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has recently stressed the need for cooperation with India on the important water sharing treaty. He says that the resolution of the Teesta water sharing treaty, which has been pending for years, will be beneficial for both countries and it should be resolved according to international norms. Yunus made it clear in an interview with 'PTI' in Dhaka that hanging any issue is not only unnecessary, but it can also harm the citizens of both countries.Solution of the water sharing problemYunus says, "There will be no benefit in not working to resolve this issue. Even if I am not personally satisfied, but if I get clarity on how much water I will get, then this situation will be better." He stressed that the special rights of lower riparian countries like Bangladesh should be protected and it is necessary to ensure that the problem of water sharing is resolved in a proper manner.Importance of international principlesSyeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser on Water Resources Affairs to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, recently said that there is a desire to resume talks on water sharing with India. She also said that the upper riparian and lower riparian countries should follow international principles on water sharing. This statement reflects Bangladesh's growing concern on how proper management of water resources will not only be in the interest of both countries but will also help in dealing with natural disasters like floods.Challenge of floods and steps towards humanityRecently, floods due to heavy monsoon rains in the deltaic areas of Bangladesh and India have created a terrible situation in which about 30 lakh people have been affected. Yunus said in this context that a humanitarian approach can be adopted during floods. During the meeting with the High Commissioner of India, he talked about focusing on better management to control the flood situation. He believes that such coordination between two countries does not require a treaty; Rather, cooperation on humanitarian grounds is also a solution to problems.India's responseIndia has factually denied reports from Bangladesh that blamed the opening of the dam gates on the Gomti River in the Indian state of Tripura for the flood situation. India's Ministry of External Affairs has stressed that flooding in shared rivers is a common problem that should be resolved by both countries together. India has also acknowledged the need for cooperation and dialogue between the two countries so that such problems can be resolved effectively in the future.ConclusionIn view of this situation, it is clear that ignoring the water sharing treaty between Bangladesh and India can be detrimental not only for the two countries but for the entire regional stability. Muhammad Yunus' statement points to a new direction where both countries can jointly address this issue and reduce the impact of natural disasters through proper management of water resources. It is time that mutual cooperation and understanding between the two countries increases so that regional stability and development can be ensured.