29/08/2024
"Bangladesh's Fight for Fair Water Rights Against India's Overreach."
As Bangladesh endures yet another devastating flood, the consequences of regional politics, particularly the actions of our neighboring India, cannot be ignored. The relationship between Bangladesh and India has long been touted as a model of cooperation and friendship. However, beneath this surface lies a reality where Bangladesh is repeatedly sidelined, with its interests often sacrificed in favor of India's. The recent floods are not merely a natural disaster but a result of decisions made upstream—decisions that have caused immense suffering in Bangladesh. It is high time we demand justice and a more equitable approach to managing our shared rivers.
# # The Impact of India's Water Management. # #
The catastrophic floods that have inundated vast regions of Bangladesh are not solely the result of heavy rainfall. A significant underlying cause lies in India's management of water resources. Without adequate consultation or warning, India has opened the gates of hydropower plants, barrages, and dams, releasing large volumes of water into our rivers. This sudden and unregulated release has caused the transboundary rivers to overflow, crossing danger levels at multiple points and leading to widespread flooding across Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Khagrachhari, and other districts.
India's considerable control over these rivers, which are lifelines for millions in Bangladesh, raises serious concerns about our sovereignty and the well-being of our people. The collapse of flood-control dams, such as the one on the Gomati River, only exacerbates the situation, highlighting the urgent need for more responsible management. As a result, over five million people have been affected, with many losing their homes, livelihoods, and even lives.
# # An Unbalanced Friendship. # #
For decades, Bangladesh has extended its hand in friendship to India, often going above and beyond to accommodate its needs. We have allowed India access to our ports, transit routes, and markets, facilitating their economic growth and regional connectivity. In return, Bangladesh has consistently been treated as a junior partner, with our concerns and needs frequently overlooked.
The issue of water-sharing agreements, or the lack thereof, is a prime example of this imbalance. Despite being home to 57 transboundary rivers, 54 of which originate in India, Bangladesh has struggled to secure a fair share of water. The long-standing issue of the Teesta River exemplifies this struggle, with India repeatedly delaying and reneging on its commitments. This has left Bangladesh to suffer the consequences of water scarcity during the dry season and flooding during the monsoon.
This unbalanced relationship has left Bangladesh vulnerable and overly dependent on India's goodwill—a goodwill that has often been insufficient when it comes to river management.
# # The Need for Water Justice. # #
The recent floods have highlighted the urgent need for a more equitable and just approach to water management between Bangladesh and India. The current situation, where India exerts significant control over the flow of water into Bangladesh, is not only unsustainable but also unjust. It violates the principles of international law, which mandate that transboundary rivers should be managed to ensure fair and equitable use for all riparian states.
Bangladesh must demand a new framework for river management, one that recognizes our right to an equitable share of water and holds India accountable for the impacts of its actions. This framework should include a commitment from India to provide timely and accurate information about water releases and to engage in genuine consultations with Bangladesh before making decisions that could have cross-border impacts.
# # Reclaiming Sovereignty Over Our Rivers. # #
The sovereignty of Bangladesh over its natural resources, including its rivers, must be respected and restored. This means challenging the current narrative that India has the sole right to decide how these rivers are managed. Bangladesh should push for the removal of barriers that impede the natural flow of water, both upstream and downstream, and advocate for the dismantling of structures built without our consent and to our detriment.
The concept of "river democracy" must be at the heart of this new approach, where the voices and rights of all those who depend on these rivers are heard and respected. Bangladeshis have the right to live without the constant fear of floods, droughts, and water scarcity caused by the actions of a more powerful neighbor.
# # A Call to Action. # #
As Bangladeshis, we must unite in our demand for water justice. While we value our friendship with India, this friendship cannot come at the cost of our people's lives and livelihoods. India must recognize that true friendship is built on mutual respect, fairness, and equity. It is time for India to act as a responsible neighbor and partner, rather than as a hegemonic power that prioritizes its interests over ours.
The recent floods are a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction. We cannot afford to wait any longer. The government of Bangladesh, along with civil society, environmentalists, and the international community, must come together to address this issue with the urgency and seriousness it demands. Only through a concerted and sustained effort can we hope to achieve the water justice that Bangladesh so desperately needs and deserves.
Robiul Karim Munna. ( 29 August, 2024.)
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