China to expedite feasibility study for Teesta project.
Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has said that the feasibility study for the Teesta mega project will be completed as quickly as possible so that work on the project can begin.
The minister made the remarks while speaking to the media before leaving for home after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's official visit to China, where he accompanied the premier.
"China has agreed to conduct a feasibility study for the Teesta project. We will work jointly with them to complete the entire study," he said.
The minister added, "We have also sought China's cooperation in the overall management of our river systems. Since China is connected to several of these rivers, we will coordinate and make the necessary adjustments."
He further said, "Based on China's support for the Teesta project, we will make our decisions very soon regarding the timeline. We intend to present the Teesta development plan to the people at the earliest opportunity. We have given special attention to ensuring that work on the project can begin within this budget, God willing."
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's meeting with China's Minister of Water Resources, Anee said the premier raised the Teesta issue several times, including before the Chinese President and the Chinese Premier.
He continued, "On the Chinese side, the Minister of Water Resources, along with other ministers and advisers, attended the meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. After discussions among all delegates, it was agreed that our long-standing aspirations for the Teesta project should finally move toward implementation.”
“Hundreds of thousands of people living in the Teesta basin have suffered for many years. To address their hardships, it is essential to turn the project into reality. For that, technical assistance from China is necessary, and China has agreed to conduct a feasibility study," he said.
The minister also highlighted the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and China, saying, "Bangladesh and China have enjoyed a close friendship for many years. This relationship was established in 1976 under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who visited China twice during his lifetime.”
Later, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia visited China seven times, further strengthening bilateral ties. “China values this long-standing relationship, and we also hold it in high regard,” he said.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made his first overseas visit to Malaysia and China from June 21 to 26 last. During his four-day visit to China, he spent two days attending the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos in Dalian before traveling to Beijing on Wednesday afternoon. He returned home on June 26.
