Chattogram (Bangladesh): On the night of October 19, a whole lot of scholars fashioned a human chain close to Shaheed Minar at Chattogram College. Carrying torches and placards, they marched to the monument, demanding the speedy implementation of the Teesta Grasp Plan and a fair proportion of the river’s waters for Bangladesh, based on the federal government information company, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
The protest, organised by college students from the Rangpur Division, focussed on water injustice and Bangladesh’s sovereign management over its sources. Individuals raised slogans emphasising that the Teesta plan might increase farming, create jobs and strengthen the financial system in northern Bangladesh. Because the protest concluded, demonstrators referred to as for the safety of nationwide pursuits and equitable water distribution for areas depending on the Teesta River.
Earlier, torch rallies had been held in 5 northern districts, the place hundreds demanded the speedy rollout of the grasp plan.
Teesta Grasp Plan And India’s Issues
The Chinese language-assisted grasp plan is seen in Dhaka as an alternative choice to the long-stalled water-sharing treaty with India. Consultants in India have raised alarms because of the plan’s proximity to the Hen Neck hall, the slender stretch connecting northeastern India to the remainder of the nation.
The 1996 Ganga water-sharing settlement between India and Bangladesh will expire in 2026, and unilateral strikes by Dhaka might have an effect on India’s water safety and regional cooperation. The Teesta River originates in Sikkim, flows by way of West Bengal and merges with the Brahmaputra (Jamuna) in Bangladesh.
Dhaka has accused India of withholding water throughout dry seasons, impacting irrigation and every day wants, whereas floods surge throughout monsoons.
Bangladesh Strikes Forward With Chinese language Help
In March, Bangladesh’s interim authorities led by Mohammad Yunus requested a 50-year river administration plan from China, citing its experience in water administration. Chinese language companies are actually set to take part within the venture, with Dhaka in search of 6,700 crore taka for the primary part. A number of political events, together with the Bangladesh Nationalist Celebration (BNP), have expressed assist.
Former Cupboard Secretary Kabir Bin Anwar said that the plan would enable Bangladesh to construct a serious reservoir to scale back dependence on India throughout dry seasons.
The Teesta Water Dispute
The dispute centres on how the Teesta River’s waters are shared. Bangladesh seeks ample water for agriculture and every day use, whereas India, notably West Bengal, expresses issues over shortages throughout dry months. Regardless of a long time of talks for the reason that Nineteen Nineties, no settlement has been reached, with West Bengal’s objections repeatedly stalling progress.
In 2024, the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had indicated that continuing with China could possibly be preferable to persevering with negotiations with India.
Safety Implications For India
The Teesta Grasp Plan lies near the Hen Neck area. India can be cautious of potential Chinese language presence close to the Lalmonirhat airbase, although Bangladesh’s navy claims that the power is solely for nationwide functions and aviation schooling.
Indian strategic analysts warned that Chinese language involvement might enable surveillance of Indian navy installations, troop actions and demanding infrastructure. Vitality and environmental knowledgeable Kalol Mustafa wrote within the Dhaka-based Every day Star that India fears Chinese language personnel on the venture website close to the Hen Neck hall.
The Indian analysts emphasised that activating Lalmonirhat airbase with Chinese language participation might considerably improve aerial monitoring capabilities over Indian forces and installations.
Political Dimensions
The protests demanding the implementation of the China-backed Teesta Grasp Plan emerge months forward of basic elections in Bangladesh. Political events are possible to make use of the difficulty to consolidate assist, with the BNP anticipated to leverage it for political positive factors.
The federal government faces a fancy problem, as Teesta’s water sources are each strategically delicate and politically charged.