India’s Untrustworthy Friend: Manjur Ahmed Chowdhury on River Issues
In a recent statement, former Chairman of the National River Conservation Commission, Dr. Manjur Ahmed Chowdhury, raised concerns about India’s questionable actions regarding river issues in Bangladesh. He highlighted the presence of numerous dams, barrages, and hydraulic infrastructure on the Indian side of the border, which he believes are obstructing Bangladesh’s access to fair share of river waters.
The Unreliable Nature of India in River Management
Dr. Chowdhury emphasized that India often uses rivers as geopolitical tools, exploiting them for its own benefit. He expressed skepticism about India’s commitment to just water sharing practices with Bangladesh, urging the country to become self-reliant rather than dependent on India for water resources management.
The Urgent Need for Delta Projects
He stressed that despite having over fifty transboundary rivers with India, Bangladesh faces a lack of interest from India in negotiating fair agreements on water sharing. This indifference could pose a significant threat to Bangladesh’s future, making it imperative for the country to adopt delta projects to secure water resources during the monsoon season.
Expert Insights and Advocacy
During a river and environmental conservation conference organized in the Kashinagar area of the Titash River in Brahmanbaria, Dr. Manjur Ahmed Chowdhury reiterated the importance of safeguarding Bangladesh’s ecological diversity. He called for strict legal measures to combat river pollution and encroachment nationwide.
In a special session at the River Summit, chaired by Sirajim Ahmed, prominent figures like journalist and author Aminul Rashid, Chairman of the Bangladesh River Foundation Mohammad Monir Hossain, and Advocate A. K. M. Sohel Rana from the Supreme Court of Bangladesh shared their perspectives on the pressing river issues.
As the conversation around India’s role in river management continues, Dr. Manjur Ahmed Chowdhury’s insights shed light on the complexities of transboundary water governance and the need for proactive measures to protect Bangladesh’s water resources and biodiversity.
This article was originally published in Banglanews24.com and is protected by copyright law.
