China done, India back as Bangladesh’s development partner
Sheikh Hasina said that she would give greater priority to the project being done by India because the neighbouring country has held up Teesta’s waters.
By IAR Desk
Bangladesh is going to hand over the $1 billion Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration project, accordingto a report by Bloomberg.
At a press conference in Dhaka on Sunday, July 14, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had just recently visited China onan official trip said, “China is ready but I want India to do the project.” “China has made an offer to us, they did a feasibility study. India has also made an offer, and will do a feasibility study,” she said.
She added that she would give greater priority to the project being done by India because the neighbouring country has held up Teesta’s waters.
“The Teesta project is a longstanding issue. We will have to implement the Teesta project. China has made an offer and conducted a feasibility study. India also has made an offer. India will also conduct a feasibility study, and then we will accept the one that (is) rational for us,” Hasina said.
“But I will give priority to India for the project,” she added. “…India holds back
the Teesta’s waters. If we want to realise (a share of the Teesta’s) waters, India should implement the project…. This is diplomacy. There is no hide ’n’ seek about this; it’s simple and clear.”
Prior to her visit to China Sheikh Hasina paid a State Visit to India on 21-22 June 2024. This was the first incoming bilateral State Visit after the formation of the government in India following the 18th Lok Sabha elections
She had also visited India for the inauguration and swearing in ceremony of the new government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi on an invitation by him.
