Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Sunday said the feasibility study for the Teesta mega project would be completed as quickly as possible to pave the way for implementation, reports BSS.
Speaking to reporters after returning from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's official visit to China, the minister said China had agreed to conduct the feasibility study in cooperation with Bangladesh.
"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.
Anee said Bangladesh had also sought China's assistance in the overall management of its river systems, noting that several of the country's rivers originate in or flow through China.
"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 said.
The minister said the government would decide the project's implementation timeline soon and aimed to present the Teesta development plan to the public at the earliest opportunity.
"We have given special attention to ensuring that work on the project can begin within this budget, God willing," he said.
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's meetings with Chinese leaders, Anee said the Teesta project featured prominently in discussions with the Chinese President, the Chinese Premier and the Chinese Minister of Water Resources.
He said both sides agreed to move forward with the long-awaited project, adding that technical assistance from China would be crucial for its 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 longstanding ties between Bangladesh and China, saying the bilateral relationship began in 1976 under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and was further strengthened through several visits by former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Malaysia and China from June 21 to 26. During his four-day stay in China, he attended the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos in Dalian before travelling to Beijing for bilateral meetings. He returned to Bangladesh on June 26.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
