Bangladesh and China on Thursday agreed to deepen cooperation in river management, including the “Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project,” as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sought greater Chinese support for water resource management, flood control, and environmental protection efforts.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Tarique and Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying at State Guest House Diaoyutai in Beijing, according to a press release issued by the Press Wing.
During the talks, the prime minister highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing river dredging programme aimed at reducing flood risks, protecting the environment, and ensuring the sustainable management of water resources.
He specifically sought China’s cooperation in strengthening Bangladesh’s water resource management capacity and expressed hope for Chinese technical assistance in implementing Teesta River project. Responding positively, Guoying assured all-out cooperation in the Bangladesh government’s initiatives.
He noted that cooperation between the two countries in this sector has been practical, research-based, and mutually beneficial, referencing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2005 and the visit of Chinese water experts to Bangladesh last year.
The prime minister further sought Chinese government support in preventing river erosion, improving irrigation management, and enhancing inland navigation. Riverbank erosion remains a major challenge in Bangladesh, displacing thousands of people annually and causing significant economic losses.
Li said Bangladesh could benefit from China’s experience in water management and invited Bangladeshi water experts and officials to receive training in China.
The Teesta River project remains a key priority for Bangladesh, which aims to improve water management, enhance irrigation facilities, protect riverbanks, and boost economic activities in the country’s northern region.
