Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has declared that the Teesta Master Plan will be implemented “at any cost,” calling it a national priority following his recent visit to China. The announcement comes after Beijing reaffirmed its support for the project, which has long drawn strategic concern in India due to its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor, the narrow stretch connecting mainland India to the Northeast.
During Rahman’s meetings in Beijing, Chinese leaders assured Bangladesh of unwavering backing, stating that support for the Teesta initiative would continue “no matter how the world changes.” The China‑backed plan aims to overhaul river management along the Teesta, focusing on flood control, irrigation, water storage, and connectivity. Rahman said the government intends to use the Padma Barrage to store surplus monsoon water and supply it to farmers during dry months, addressing long‑standing agricultural water shortages.
Rahman highlighted the urgency of the project, noting that he had visited regions where monsoon flooding is severe while nearby farmland suffers from lack of irrigation. He said the Master Plan would ensure more equitable water distribution and improve livelihoods across northern Bangladesh.
The Teesta River originates in Sikkim, flows through West Bengal, and enters Bangladesh before joining the Brahmaputra. A water‑sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh has remained stalled for over 15 years, largely due to opposition from former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. With the Bharatiya Janata Party now governing West Bengal, observers believe the agreement could see renewed movement, though no formal progress has been announced.
India continues to monitor developments closely, citing both hydrological implications and the strategic sensitivity of Chinese involvement near the Siliguri Corridor. Authorities in New Delhi have not yet issued a fresh statement on Rahman’s remarks.