Staff Reporter:
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has emphasized the urgent need to press India for an equitable share of transboundary river water, saying that India’s actions are unjustified.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Upstream Withdrawal of Shared River Water: Bangladesh’s Economic Crisis” on Saturday, Dr Ahmed highlighted the water-sharing practices in Europe as an example.
The seminar was organized by the International Farakka Committee, Bangladesh, at Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club.
“In Europe, large rivers originating in Germany flow into the Netherlands, where shipping continues unhindered. Despite political differences, these countries adhere to water-sharing policies. India, however, has no valid justification for withholding our water. We must exert firm pressure on them,” Dr Ahmed said.
He criticized India’s management of sluice gates, adding: “When India faces water pressure, they open the gates, flooding our areas. When they have a scarcity, they close them, depriving us of water. This deliberate manipulation disrupts our agriculture and worsens desertification. Our lands are drying up, and groundwater levels are falling. How much more can we endure?”
Dr Ahmed also called for public support to address these issues, stressing that the challenges are significant but manageable with collective effort.
“This is not only about the Farakka Barrage; the 54 other shared rivers also need fair water distribution. We are committed to ensuring justice for these rivers,” he said.
