BNP will sign a Teesta water management agreement with China if elected, says Moyeen

BNP to Sign Teesta Water Management Deal with China if Elected: Moyeen

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan informed a senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Thursday that if his party comes to power in the next election, it will sign an agreement with China to implement the Teesta River water management project.

"Your (Chinese) Ambassador in Dhaka recently made a clear proposal to assist us in developing a project for managing the Teesta River's water," Dr. Moyeen said during a meeting with CPC Deputy Secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee, Xing Shanping.

He emphasized that the Chinese envoy's offer was made sincerely for the benefit of thousands of people living along the riverbanks.

"On our behalf, I assure you that if the people of Bangladesh elect us to government in the next election, we will be pleased to sign a deal to receive your support in developing a complete Teesta Barrage," he added.

Dr. Moyeen also mentioned that Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, had expressed his intention to personally visit the Teesta Barrage area.

The BNP delegation, led by Dr. Moyeen, attended the meeting and later participated in a banquet hosted by the CPC leader at a hotel in Shaanxi province.

Earlier, on Tuesday, a 21-member 'unique' delegation, including leaders from eight political parties, traveled to China for an 11-day visit at the invitation of the CPC.

Dr. Moyeen criticized the current government for not advancing the Teesta project, calling it a transitional administration.

"A stable government formed through elections will have the ability to sign the deal and execute the project," he stated.

He highlighted that China's support for the Teesta project could be a significant step in modernizing Bangladesh’s agriculture by improving its irrigation system.

Reflecting on his childhood, Dr. Moyeen recalled reading about the Huang He River, once known as "China's Sorrow," but transformed over the decades into a modern irrigation and agricultural resource. He attributed this success to China's advancements in technology, engineering, and scientific knowledge.

He expressed optimism that a similar transformation could take place with the Teesta River, benefiting farmers in Bangladesh’s northern region.

Dr. Moyeen also hoped for continued Chinese support in modernizing Bangladesh’s agriculture and irrigation systems, along with cooperation in infrastructure development.

He highlighted the historical ties between Bangladesh and China, noting that while formal diplomatic relations were established 50 years ago by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, the bond of trust between the two nations dates back thousands of years.

He acknowledged the growing number of Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education in China, particularly in science, technology, and modern disciplines, and urged for more scholarships and student exchange programs.

On trade, he noted that China could supply high-quality essential goods at affordable prices to meet the needs of the Bangladeshi people.

In response, CPC Deputy Secretary Xing Shanping reaffirmed China’s strong commitment to its relationship with Bangladesh, describing the country as a valued neighbor.

She emphasized that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China have strengthened based on mutual cooperation and respect.

She assured that China would continue its assistance for Bangladesh’s development and the welfare of its people.

"We want to deepen our bilateral cooperation further in the coming days," she stated.

She also expressed China's keen interest in investing in various sectors in Bangladesh, including agriculture, clean energy, education, science and technology, and infrastructure development.

Other delegation members included BNP Legal Affairs Secretary Kayser Kamal, Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal General Secretary Shohidul Islam, Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayon, Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Razib Ahsan, Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin, and leaders from several other political parties.

During their visit, the delegation also toured Xi'an Jiaotong University in Shaanxi province, where they exchanged views with faculty members and Bangladeshi students studying there.

Dr. Moyeen described the visit as a remarkable experience, acknowledging the university's status as a leading academic institution in China.

"I appreciate your efforts in accommodating Bangladeshi students and providing them with opportunities to study science and technology," he said.

He expressed hope that academic collaboration between the two nations would continue to strengthen in the future.