Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the Teesta Barrage Master Plan will be implemented “at any cost,” calling it a national priority for the country’s northern region. His remarks come just days after Dhaka and Beijing agreed to deepen cooperation on Teesta and other river projects, drawing concern in India because the river runs close to its northeastern border.

Rahman told parliament that the government is committed to solving long-standing water-management problems through major investments in rivers, canals and irrigation infrastructure. He said people in the Rajshahi and Rangpur regions have faced persistent water shortages and that the Teesta project is essential for flood control, dry-season irrigation and overall development. The government has already completed a feasibility study and is reviewing the technical and financial details before moving ahead.

The announcement also has a geopolitical edge because the Teesta basin has become a sensitive issue in India-Bangladesh relations. China has said its cooperation with Bangladesh on Teesta does not target any third party, but India remains wary because the river flows through India before entering Bangladesh and sits close to the strategic Siliguri Corridor. Reports say Bangladesh may seek domestic funding or other financing arrangements as it pushes the project forward.

Rahman’s statement signals that Dhaka intends to press ahead with the Teesta plan despite regional sensitivities. With water security, domestic politics and India-China-Bangladesh interests all intersecting, the project is likely to remain a major regional issue.