Bangladesh plans to begin the Teesta Master Plan by FY2026-27, seeking Chinese technical support to tackle flooding, erosion and water scarcity while advancing broader river management and irrigation initiatives nationwide.
Bangladesh has reiterated its plan to advance the long-delayed Teesta Master Plan, aiming to address chronic flooding, river erosion and seasonal water scarcity in northwestern Bangladesh, particularly in the Teesta basin, during the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Speaking in Parliament on Sunday, Water Resources Minister Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee said the government is prioritising the completion of a feasibility study as a key step toward implementing the proposed river management initiative. Officials said the project is expected to improve the lives of an estimated 20 million people in the region.
China to Provide Technical Expertise
The minister said Bangladesh will work with Chinese technical experts on the feasibility study. The cooperation follows discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, during which China agreed to provide technical support for the project and broader river management efforts.
Officials said the partnership is intended to support long-term efforts to tackle erosion and sedimentation in one of the country’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
Broader Push on Transboundary Water Management
Beyond the Teesta initiative, the government also reiterated its focus on transboundary water management, particularly seasonal water shortages in the country’s northern districts during the dry season. The minister pointed to concerns over upstream water flow regulation and stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation.
At the same time, authorities are fast-tracking the proposed Padma Barrage Project, which has already received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The project is expected to move into the tendering phase soon and is designed to support flood control, reduce salinity intrusion and improve agricultural productivity in affected regions.
Canal Restoration and Agricultural Expansion
The government also outlined a nationwide canal dredging and restoration programme aimed at reviving an estimated 25,000 kilometres of waterways. Officials said around 500 kilometres of canals have already been restored in recent months as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen irrigation and improve rural resilience.
“This is part of our broader agricultural policy agenda,” the minister said, adding that improved water management is central to food security and long-term agricultural growth.
Call for Political Consensus
Concluding his remarks, the minister called for sustained political consensus to address Bangladesh’s climate and infrastructure challenges, stressing that water security must remain above partisan divisions.
