Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has stated that the Teesta River water-sharing issue may be raised during Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s forthcoming visit to China, despite not being formally included in the agenda.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (25 March) regarding the chief adviser’s scheduled visits to China and Thailand, the foreign secretary remarked, “Teesta is not officially on the agenda of this visit. However, water management is listed as a discussion point, and there is a possibility that Teesta will be mentioned during those discussions.”
Chief Adviser Yunus is set to depart for China on Wednesday (26 March) to participate in the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference in Hainan Province.
He is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Bangladesh has outlined an extensive plan to manage and revitalise the Teesta River within its territory.
China has previously conducted a feasibility study on the proposed “Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration” project.
While Beijing has expressed long-standing interest in implementing the project, the previous Sheikh Hasina administration had declared its intent to carry it out in collaboration with India.
Regarding Bangladesh’s proposal for a meeting between Chief Adviser Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Thailand, Jashim Uddin underscored the importance of Dhaka’s relations with all neighbouring countries.
“The meeting is considered significant, given the current state of relations between the present government and India. From our end, we are ready. We will be waiting,” he said, adding that Bangladesh believes such talks could help ease tensions in the bilateral relationship.
Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had noted that India was considering the meeting, and Bangladesh had already approached India through diplomatic channels.
However, on 21 March, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that there were no updates on whether the meeting would take place, while reaffirming that Bangladesh-India relations encompass multiple domains, including economic cooperation, connectivity, and development partnerships.
Chief Adviser Yunus, who is scheduled to visit Thailand from 2-4 April for the BIMSTEC Summit, has reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering strong ties with India.
In a recent interview with the BBC, he emphasised that Bangladesh-India relations should be “the best relationship ever” due to their deep interconnectivity.
He also dismissed concerns over “fake news” affecting bilateral ties and highlighted India as a key trade partner.
During his visit to China, Yunus is expected to engage in discussions regarding Myanmar’s internal situation and the potential for Rohingya repatriation, Jashim Uddin revealed.
Negotiations may also lead to agreements on human resource development, economic and technical cooperation, and increased media connectivity.
Additionally, announcements could be made regarding Chinese investment in Bangladesh, the establishment of special economic zones, and expanded collaboration in the health sector.
On the subject of military cooperation, Jashim Uddin confirmed that general discussions on security and potential arms purchases would take place.
Regarding healthcare collaboration, he noted that China had already intensified its medical partnerships with Bangladesh.
“Four dedicated hospitals have been established in Kunming to cater to Bangladeshi patients, and those who have received treatment there have expressed satisfaction. Now, we anticipate China’s cooperation in establishing a specialised hospital in Bangladesh,” he said.
When asked about China’s significance in Bangladesh’s foreign policy, Jashim Uddin described Beijing as a “close friend” of Dhaka.
“China reciprocates this sentiment, which is why the chief adviser’s visit is being given special importance,” he said.
He further remarked that Bangladesh’s relationship with China is multifaceted, with Beijing serving as its largest trading partner and a key development ally. “New areas of cooperation are currently being explored,” he added.
