Bangladesh Seeks New Ganges Water-Sharing Treaty with India

Bangladesh is seeking a new water-sharing agreement with India on the Ganges River instead of renewing the existing treaty, with a stronger focus on safeguarding the country's interests and including a guaranteed water-sharing clause, Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie said on Thursday.

Speaking at a seminar on rivers in the capital, the minister said rivers are one of the key drivers of Bangladesh's economy. However, he noted that rapid industrialization and the adverse impacts of climate change are placing increasing pressure on the country's river systems.

He stressed the need to identify the root causes of river pollution and implement effective measures to control it.

The minister described pollution in the Buriganga River in Dhaka as one of the country's most pressing environmental challenges.

Speakers at the event said the Dhaka metropolitan area generates nearly 3.9 billion litres of wastewater every day, of which around 1.5 billion litres are discharged into rivers. The resulting environmental degradation causes economic losses amounting to billions of dollars annually.

The programme also highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to control pollution, conserve rivers, and improve river management in and around the capital, emphasizing that integrated planning and stronger enforcement are essential to restoring the health of Bangladesh's river systems.