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Bangladesh Seeks Longer Ganges Pact With India, Dry-Season Guarantee
Bangladesh and India share rivers, including the Ganges.
Their current agreement about sharing Ganges water was signed in 1996 and ends in 2026.
Bangladesh wants a new agreement instead of simply extending the old one.
It wants the deal to last longer and guarantee water during the dry season.
Bangladesh says its officials and India’s officials are discussing the matter.
It hopes they can finish a new agreement before December 12, 2026.
A Bangladeshi foreign affairs minister said both countries should use talks and diplomacy to solve water disagreements.
The Teesta river issue is another water-sharing matter and is separate from the Ganges treaty.
Bangladesh wants a new or revised Ganges water-sharing agreement with India, preferably lasting longer than the current pact.
Bangladesh’s Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee says the new agreement should guarantee Bangladesh its required share of water during the dry season.
The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty is due to expire in 2026.
Anee said the two countries are working through the Joint Rivers Commission and Bangladesh hopes to complete an agreement before December 12, 2026.
Foreign Affairs State Minister Humaiun Kobir said water disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, with cooperation and political will from both sides.
- Who
- Bangladesh and India, with Bangladeshi ministers describing their negotiating position.
- What
- Bangladesh seeks a longer-term Ganges water-sharing pact with a dry-season guarantee.
- Where
- The Ganges River, shared by Bangladesh and India.
- When
- The current treaty expires in 2026; Bangladesh hopes for an agreement before December 12, 2026.
- Why
- To protect Bangladesh’s required dry-season water share and national interests.
Key facts
- Current treaty
- The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty was signed in 1996.
- Expiry
- The treaty is due to expire in December 2026.
- Bangladesh’s proposal
- A new or revised agreement, preferably for a longer duration.
- Requested safeguard
- A guarantee clause protecting Bangladesh’s required dry-season share.
- Negotiation forum
- The Joint Rivers Commission.
- Bangladesh’s target
- Complete a new arrangement before December 12, 2026, according to Anee.
- Separate dispute
- The Teesta water-sharing issue is separate from the Ganges treaty.
- Stated approach
- Kobir said water-sharing matters should be resolved through discussion, dialogue and diplomacy.
Quotes
Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee
Bangladesh’s water resources minister
“Based on the meetings held so far, we are hopeful that the agreement will be completed before December 12, 2026.”
telegraphindia.com
“We should move forward through a new agreement, preferably for a longer duration and with a guarantee clause.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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