The relationship between Bangladesh and India is long and complex. Various disagreements between the two countries have gradually fostered a hostile attitude towards India among the people of Bangladesh. Specifically, the sharing of water from border rivers and the Teesta agreement have become central points of contention. Recently, this hostility has deepened due to the floods in Tripura, where India has been accused of exacerbating Bangladesh’s internal water crisis.
The Tripura Floods and Water Dispute
On August 21, 2024, severe floods in India’s Tripura state caused significant damage to the bordering regions of Bangladesh. The interim government of Bangladesh and various political parties accused India of releasing water from the Dumbur Dam in Tripura, leading to these floods, without prior warning. This incident sparked intense anti-India protests among Bangladeshi students, who raised slogans against India on university campuses.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied the allegations, stating that the floods were not caused by water released from the Dumbur Dam but were the result of natural factors. According to them, excessive rainfall in the catchment areas of Tripura led to the floods. While India claimed to have issued a warning, communication was disrupted due to a power outage. However, these justifications have had little impact on the Bangladeshi people, who perceive India’s actions as hostile towards Bangladesh.
The Farakka Barrage and the Ganges-Padma River Dispute
The issue of sharing water from the border rivers has long been a significant point of contention between India and Bangladesh. The Farakka Barrage and the water dispute involving the Ganges River (known as the Padma River in Bangladesh) have been particularly contentious. After the construction of the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal in 1975, Bangladesh began to experience a severe water crisis. The people and politicians of Bangladesh view this barrage as a tool used by India to deprive Bangladesh of its rightful share of water.
Despite a 1996 water-sharing treaty between India and Bangladesh, the people of Bangladesh still believe they are not receiving adequate water. The impact of the Farakka Barrage continues to be a major concern for the people and experts in Bangladesh. Historically, Bangladeshi politician Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani led a prolonged movement against the Farakka Barrage, and his words continue to inspire the people of Bangladesh. In May 2024, during the 48th anniversary of the Farakka Long March, anti-India sentiments were strongly expressed among the people of Bangladesh.
The Teesta Agreement and Water Crisis
The Teesta River water-sharing issue remains a significant dispute between India and Bangladesh. Bangladesh has long sought an agreement to share the water of the Teesta River, which has been stalled due to opposition from the Indian state of West Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has argued that sharing the Teesta River water with Bangladesh would harm the northern region of West Bengal. The limited water flow of the Teesta River, due to hydropower projects in the Indian state of Sikkim, has further complicated the situation.
For the Indian central government, resolving this issue has become increasingly difficult, as it affects not only India-Bangladesh relations but also India’s internal politics. However, the people of Bangladesh perceive India’s stance as a reflection of a hostile attitude towards its neighbor.
Climate Change and New Challenges
The changing climate and inadequate rainfall patterns in northeastern India have significantly impacted the lower regions of Bangladesh. These changes in river conditions have increased incidents of floods and droughts in India, which, in turn, create a severe crisis in water supply for Bangladesh. Particularly, the average flow of the Teesta River has significantly decreased, causing a water crisis in the lower regions of Bangladesh.
Conclusion
The sharing of water from border rivers remains a major issue in India-Bangladesh relations. Hostile sentiments towards India are growing among the people of Bangladesh, which has become a crucial element in this conflict. The people of Bangladesh believe that India is not showing a friendly attitude towards them and that India controls Bangladesh’s water resources. To change this mindset, a fair and equitable water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh is necessary, which will strengthen the mutual relationship between the two countries.
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