Bangladesh seeks China's help for Teesta river project, deepening ties
Bangladesh and China have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the management of the Teesta and other rivers, according to a state-run Bangladeshi news agency. The agreement was reached on Thursday (June 25, 2026) during a meeting between Chinese Water Resources Minister Li Guoying and Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Beijing.
Mr. Rahman, who is on his first official visit to China since assuming office earlier this year, arrived in Beijing from Dalian on June 24. He is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior Chinese officials.
During the meeting with Minister Li, Mr. Rahman highlighted Bangladesh's ongoing river excavation programme aimed at reducing flood risks and improving water resource management. He sought Chinese support and technical assistance for the Teesta management project, the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) news agency reported.
Minister Li assured full cooperation, noting that a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2005 and a visit by Chinese water experts last year have laid a strong foundation for practical, research-based cooperation. He invited Bangladeshi experts to receive training in China and said Bangladesh could benefit from China's experience in water management.
The Teesta River flows from the eastern Himalayas through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it is vital for irrigation and livelihoods. China has long shown interest in developing the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, located near India's strategic Siliguri Corridor, which connects the mainland to the northeastern states.
The Teesta issue has been sensitive in India-Bangladesh relations, which have improved since Mr. Rahman's government took over in February, ending a brief interim administration. Last month, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman formally requested China's involvement in the Teesta restoration project during a visit to Beijing.
India had offered technical and conservation assistance for the Teesta basin in 2024, reflecting its efforts to deepen cooperation on transboundary rivers. Water sharing remains a key issue between New Delhi and Dhaka, especially as the India-Bangladesh Ganges Water Treaty of 1996 is due to expire this year unless renewed. The treaty governs the dry-season sharing of the Ganges River and is critical for both countries.
