Natural flow of int’l rivers crossing Bangladesh stressed

DR. Imtiaz Ahmed of Dhaka University speaking at a conference on Water Geopolitics and the Future of Oceans in Patuakhali on Saturday. UNB

Patuakhali, Jan 26 - Experts at a conference have emphasised the need to transcend 'land-centric diplomacy' and focus on equitable water-sharing policies to safeguard the natural flow of international rivers crossing Bangladesh and ensure their preservation.

Addressing the 10th International Water Conference, they stressed that Bangladesh’s approach must align with global perspectives to seize emerging opportunities and implement effective strategies.

Organised by ActionAid Bangladesh, the two-day conference, themed "Water Geopolitics and the Future of Oceans," began on Sunday.

The event brought together experts from Bangladesh, Nepal, Australia, Singapore, China and India to address issues surrounding trans-boundary river geopolitics, oceanic challenges and sustainable water management practices.

In her opening remarks, Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, highlighted the urgency of coordinated efforts to save rivers.

“Rivers are living entities, and they are currently in a critical state. Without collaborative action, the adverse effects of mismanagement will intensify. Rivers do not belong to any single entity, and ensuring their rights requires transboundary cooperation with a strong focus on fairness in water-sharing. Only then can we protect our rivers and promote equity in livelihoods,” she stated.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives and an international relations expert, called for innovative thinking within a global framework.

“Despite the transformative impacts of globalisation, our mindset remains unchanged. It is crucial to reimagine our approach in a broader global context. In today’s complex world, there is no room for reverting to colonial mentalities. We must adopt new paradigms and embrace innovative solutions,” he said.

Dr Ahmed addressed Bangladesh’s water-sharing relations with India, Myanmar, and China.

“New opportunities are emerging to overcome these challenges. Negotiations with India over the Teesta River, for instance, should involve China and other stakeholders. When India was unresponsive to our calls for cooperation on the Teesta, China’s dam construction invited us to the discussion table,” he remarked.

Dr. John Dore, Lead Specialist for Water, Energy, and Climate from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, underscored the importance of equity in water management.

Referring to the Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers, he suggested, “The recommendations from the Mekong River Commission can inform strategies to ensure shared water flow. Enhanced collaborative research and communication are essential in this regard.”

On the first day, discussions covered topics such as “The Future of Teesta and Border Rivers,” “Climate Change and Local Innovations,” and “Climate Futures, Water Financing, and the Role of Hydro-Diplomacy.”

The second day will focus on “Ensuring Women’s Empowerment through Equitable Water Sharing,” “Mainstreaming Water Education,” and “The Geopolitics of Cooperation and Protecting Ocean and Water Resources.” - UNB