The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has publicly condemned Mamata Banerjee for her role in halting the Teesta water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh. The party applauded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its recent electoral success in West Bengal, which it believes will play a crucial role in fostering better relations and facilitating discussions on the long-delayed water-sharing pact.

Azizul Baree Helal, Information Secretary of the BNP, expressed appreciation for the BJP’s performance under the leadership of Suvendu Adhikari. He indicated that this change in governance could pave the way for progress on the Teesta issue, which has plagued relations between the two nations for years. Helal claimed that Banerjee’s previous government was a significant barrier to advancing the Teesta Barrage agreement.

According to Helal, with the BJP now in power, there exists a renewed possibility for collaboration with the Narendra Modi administration, which has been supportive of the agreement. The BNP official noted that the new leadership in West Bengal could effectively work towards resolving this longstanding dispute.

Impact of Election Results on Bangladesh-West Bengal Relations

Helal emphasised that the BJP’s electoral victory could enhance ties between West Bengal and Bangladesh, given that the Indian state shares the longest border with Bangladesh among its counterparts. He suggested that this shift could provide fresh opportunities to address various cross-border challenges and improve bilateral cooperation.

The BNP’s reaction underscored that despite their ideological differences with the BJP, their mutual interests, particularly concerning the Teesta water-sharing agreement, could create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue. With the BJP’s accession to power, Helal anticipates a more favourable approach towards resolving outstanding water-sharing issues.

The Teesta dispute remains significant, with ongoing tensions surrounding water rights highlighted by the need for a fair and equitable agreement. History shows that previous attempts to formalise arrangements have been met with resistance from West Bengal, which maintains concerns about its own water requirements.

Historical Context of the Teesta Water Issue

The Teesta water-sharing dilemma has been a persistent point of contention between India and Bangladesh. Governed by the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty, water sharing primarily during dry seasons has been a source of disputes, with Bangladesh asserting that India does not release enough water to support agricultural needs downstream.

Further complicating matters, climate change has exacerbated the problem of diminishing water availability, leading Bangladesh to seek a more equitable distribution of Teesta waters. The 1996 treaty will expire later this year, propelling Bangladesh to pursue its demands more assertively.

Previous proposals included a plan discussed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Bangladesh in 2011, suggesting a division of Teesta waters with Bangladesh receiving 37.5 per cent and India 42.5 per cent. However, this proposal was thwarted by opposition from West Bengal, which cited an adverse impact on local agriculture.

Historically, an ad hoc agreement from 1983 noted that Bangladesh would receive 36 per cent of the flow while India would take 39 per cent, with 25 per cent left undecided, yet this arrangement was never fully enacted. The hope for addressing existing differences through negotiations remains alive, particularly following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

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