Bangladesh will take a decision on the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty based on its “national interest”, according to Humaiun Kobir, foreign affairs adviser to Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Bangladesh’s Prime Minister-designate following the BNP’s landslide victory in this week’s election.
Speaking to The Hindu in an exclusive interview, Mr. Kobir urged India to “break from the past”, adding that communal incidents in India are a “matter of concern” for Bangladesh.
The Ganga Water Treaty, concluded in 1996, is due for renewal by December this year. Once a BNP government is formed, renewal of the treaty is expected to be one of the first items to be featured in bilateral talks. In the past, however, Bangladesh has often been told about the interest of the Indian states that are involved in riparian agreements, Mr. Kobir said. Explaining the approach of Mr. Rahman’s incoming government, he stressed: “We will move forward in a way so that it meets our national interest.”
Bangladesh elections: Electoral differences should not turn into revenge, says Tarique Rahman
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