As the 1996 Ganges water-sharing agreement approaches its expiry, political messaging from Dhaka has sharpened, with Bangladesh’s opposition linking the future of bilateral ties to the fate of the pact.
Speaking on the issue, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), underscored the urgency of renewing the agreement. “We want to send a clear message to the Indian government that a (new Ganges) treaty must be implemented immediately through discussions according to the expectations and needs of Bangladesh's people,” he said.
He further added that Dhaka’s relationship with New Delhi would be shaped by how the treaty issue is handled going forward.
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Padma barrage project adds new dimension
The remarks come shortly after Bangladesh cleared a large infrastructure project on the Padma river, the name used locally for the Ganges. The proposed barrage is aimed at offsetting what Bangladesh describes as the adverse effects of reduced water flow linked to India’s Farakka Barrage.
As per Hindustan Times report, for years, the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal has remained a point of contention. Bangladesh has argued that lower dry-season flows have led to increased salinity intrusion and ecological stress downstream. India, on its part, has maintained that the barrage, operational since 1972, serves the critical purpose of diverting water into the Hooghly River to flush silt and sustain the Kolkata port.
What the Ganges water treaty says
The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty was signed in 1996 by then Indian Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It established a 30-year framework for sharing river water, particularly during periods of low flow, and is due for renewal in December 2026.
Under the agreement, water distribution depends on flow levels at the Farakka Barrage. When flows drop to 70,000 cusecs or below, both countries receive an equal share. If flows range between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs, Bangladesh is allocated 35,000 cusecs, with the remainder going to India. When flows exceed 75,000 cusecs, India is entitled to 40,000 cusecs, while Bangladesh receives the balance.
Longstanding concerns over water sharing
Disagreements over implementation have surfaced over the years. Bangladesh has alleged that excessive withdrawal upstream has contributed to drying river channels within its territory. The issue continues to influence broader diplomatic conversations, especially as the current agreement nears its end.
