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Published : 25 Jun 2026, 01:13 PM
Bangladesh and China have reached a consensus on expanding cooperation in integrated river management, with a particular focus on the Teesta River.
Dhaka formally sought Beijing’s technical and economic involvement in the long-discussed Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.
The understanding emerged on Thursday during a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Water Resources Minister Li Guoying at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony said.
The meeting focused on river management involving the Teesta and other major rivers, alongside flood mitigation, environmental protection, riverbank erosion control, irrigation systems and inland navigation.
Tarique told the Chinese minister about the government’s ongoing river dredging programme aimed at tackling flood risks, protecting the environment and ensuring better water resource management in Bangladesh.
He also sought stronger Chinese cooperation in Bangladesh’s wider water resource sector, with particular emphasis on the Teesta management project, according to the prime minister’s press wing.
The Chinese minister responded positively and assured him of full support for Bangladesh’s water resource management efforts.
Referring to the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in 2005 and last year’s visit by Chinese water experts to Bangladesh, Tarique said bilateral cooperation in the sector has remained practical and research-driven.
The prime minister also sought China’s support in strengthening efforts to prevent river erosion, improve irrigation systems and boost river navigation.
Guoying said Bangladesh can benefit from China’s water management expertise and offered training for officials.
Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, Finance and Planning Advisor Rashed Hasan Al Mahmud Titumir, Foreign Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir, Education Advisor Mahdi Amin, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present at the meeting.
