China-backed Teesta project nears launch, promising irrigation, flood control and climate resilience as Bangladesh’s interim government pushes water security amid river crisis and election season in northern districts nationwide urgently.
Bangladesh’s largest water infrastructure initiative, the Teesta Multipurpose Project, is set to begin construction after receiving approval from China, marking a major milestone in bilateral cooperation. The interim government has completed all formalities and forwarded the required documents to China, while final discussions on project financing have been concluded. A team of Chinese experts is reviewing the plans, and work is expected to start once official consent is granted.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and water resources, told reporters, “This project will improve water management, irrigation and flood control in northern Bangladesh, benefiting millions of farmers and communities in climate-vulnerable areas.”
She made the remarks while arriving at Saidpur Airport from Dhaka to attend a meeting in Nilphamari aimed at promoting voter awareness ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Elections.
She added, “Alongside the interim government, citizens also have a responsibility to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election.”
Following her briefing, Hasan traveled by road to Nilphamari to participate in the voter outreach program.
Once operational, the Teesta Multipurpose Project is expected to be a landmark initiative, strengthening climate resilience, water security and sustainable agriculture, while highlighting growing Sino-Bangladesh collaboration in infrastructure and environmental management. The project represents a critical step toward safeguarding livelihoods and restoring one of Bangladesh’s most vital rivers.
Northern Bangladesh is facing a river crisis as the Teesta dries at an alarming pace, threatening millions of livelihoods and demanding urgent government action. Farmers, fishermen and researchers warn that the river, which flows through Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rangpur, Dinajpur and Gaibandha districts, is disappearing faster than expected, devastating farming, fisheries and local economies. Communities are calling for equitable water-sharing and swift implementation of the long-delayed Teesta Master Plan.
Political shifts since the August 5, 2024 uprising, which ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have increased pressure on Bangladesh to act decisively on transboundary rivers like the Teesta. The interim government under Professor Muhammad Yunus is reducing dependence on India and seeking stronger ties with China, Pakistan and Western donors. Warm diplomacy with India is expected to resume in 2026, but current tensions, trade disruptions and delays in river negotiations have heightened urgency for domestic action.
Principal Asadul Habib Dulu, coordinator of the Teesta River Protection Movement, said, “The Teesta is more than a river. Citizens are demanding action, and the election period has brought renewed focus on how political leaders prioritize river conservation.” Communities are urging immediate implementation of the Teesta Master Plan with domestic funding before the national election scheduled in February.
