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Published : 30 Mar 2025, 05:51 PM
Khalilur Rahman, the chief advisor's top aide, has said that China has given positive indications about its involvement in Bangladesh’s Teesta River development project.
During his four-day state visit to China, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus sought a “50-year masterplan” on water management from China, highlighting its success in controlling floods and maintaining water systems.
On Sunday, Khalilur said: “The chief advisor had extensive and deep discussions with China about water resources. China is a huge example to us of how we can preserve the river systems or use them.
“They’ve been able to play a leading role in these matters around the world. You can take a look at their large projects to appreciate this. The chief advisor has sought the assistance of President Xi Jinping in the matter and they’ve also promised to provide utmost support.”
Khalilur said Yunus had met with China's Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying along with Chinese water experts and discussed in detail how Bangladesh's demand for water over the next 50 years could be fulfilled.
“And the Chinese team promised to provide all sorts of support, including preserving river water, flood forecasting, controlling flood, among others,” he said.
“The Chinese companies are interested in taking part in the project and responded positively toward it. You will be able to see it in the joint statement.”
In a joint media statement released on Friday, Bangladesh welcomed the involvement of Chinese companies in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.
“I spoke about Teesta in terms of managing our water resources for the next 50 years. We already have a project with China in this. The question was how we should move forward,” Khalilur added.
Bangladesh and China have signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation and eight memoranda of understanding on translation and production of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange, media, sports and health sectors.
China has pledged $2.1 billion in loans, grants, and investments to Bangladesh. The countries also “agreed” to strengthen cooperation in a range of areas, including hydropower, flood control, river dredging, and climate change mitigation.
