Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has marked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banarjee's objection that halted the signing of the Teesta River water-sharing agreement as “unfortunate.”
She has said the government is making constant efforts for signing of the agreement with India, reports the BSS. "But, signing of the agreement halted due to unfortunate objection of the West Bengal chief minister."
Hasina is, however, optimistic about the Indian central government, which she believes is “sincere about the agreement.”
“I am hopeful about resolving the problem through discussion," the prime minister said while addressing officials of the Water Resources Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday.
She said her government was keen to resolve the issues of trans-boundary rivers through amicable negotiation with the neighbouring countries, and in line with this Bangladesh and India had come to a fruitful decision and reached a consensus on signing of the Teesta agreement.
Laying importance on cooperation for the management of water resources of the common rivers in the region, Hasina said the much-talked-about Ganges Barrage would be constructed under a joint initiative with the neighbouring countries, as otherwise it might create confusion among them.
Sheikh Hasina also asked the ministry to take up measures for flood control and river training keeping pace with nature.