Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has announced that Bangladesh is reviewing existing treaties and agreements related to transboundary water sharing. Speaking in the National Parliament on Sunday, he said the government is committed to securing the country’s fair share of water from international rivers and has included this issue in its election manifesto. The review aims to strengthen the Joint Rivers Commission and promote integrated management with India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.

The minister acknowledged that upstream infrastructure in neighboring countries has reduced water flow into Bangladesh during the dry season. He also cited natural and climate change factors as contributing to declining water availability. In response to parliamentary questions, he detailed ongoing and planned projects, including excavation or re-excavation of 366 kilometers of canals by June under a 180-day program and a five-year plan to excavate or re-excavate 9,046 kilometers of waterways nationwide.

Anee further emphasized the importance of the Padma Barrage Project for national interests, water resource management, agriculture, fisheries, environment, and regional economic development, noting that it has been approved after thorough evaluation.