At a seminar organized by The Center for Infrastructure Research and Services (CIRS) at North South University, speakers emphasized the need for a rethinking of the common rivers between Bangladesh and India. They suggested that Bangladesh should sign the UN Convention on International River Flows to address the problems of the two countries’ common rivers. Seminar’s theme was ‘Breaking the Ice: Dialogue on Transboundary Water Sharing between Bangladesh and India’.
Speakers recommended the creation of a team of experts to work on changes in agriculture, environment, water and people’s livelihoods in settlements along the rivers. Nazrul Islam chief economist of United Nations Development Research called on the government to sign the agreement under the UN Act on Non-Navigation of Rivers, prioritizing the natural flow of rivers.
Climate expert Monirul Quader Mirza cited various agreements on common rivers and suggested joint initiatives between the two countries on flood, water flow and resource management. Professor Sirajul Islam of the North South University department of Civil and Environmental Science and Tanveer Haroon of the board of trust also spoke.
Shafiul Islam distinguished professor at Tufts University, USA presented the main article in the seminar. He talked about planning to combine scientific and social issues to solve the problem of joint rivers. He emphasized on regular discussions between the two countries.
