The government on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the long-awaited Teesta Master Plan in line with Bangladesh's national interests.
It also cautioned media organisations to comply with court directives prohibiting the broadcast of statements by former prime minister and convicted defendant Sheikh Hasina.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room at the Secretariat, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said Bangladesh, as a sovereign nation, would proceed with the Teesta project based on the needs of its people and national priorities.
"The Teesta Master Plan will be implemented according to Bangladesh's own interests. There is no scope for any other country to have concerns over our development initiatives," he said in response to a question about the project.
The adviser noted that people living along the Teesta basin continue to suffer severe river erosion during the monsoon and acute water shortages in the dry season.
He said the project aims to address these challenges through river training, dredging and water conservation measures.
According to him, China has the technical expertise and financial capacity required to implement the project.
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had instructed the authorities concerned to begin work on the project as quickly as possible.
Responding to questions about possible geopolitical implications, Dr Rahman said Bangladesh would engage with all countries as a sovereign state and pursue development projects in line with its own interests while taking legitimate security concerns into consideration.
The adviser also stressed that implementing the Teesta project does not mean Bangladesh is abandoning its demand for a fair share of water from transboundary rivers.
"We will continue our diplomatic efforts to secure Bangladesh's rightful share of water from the Teesta, the Ganges and other shared rivers.
During the briefing, Dr Rahman also reminded media organisations to comply with existing court orders regarding the dissemination of statements made by Sheikh Hasina.
"There is a court-imposed restriction on broadcasting her statements. However, we have observed that some media outlets are continuing to air them. This indicates non-compliance with the court's directives," he said.
The adviser said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was, for the time being, urging media organisations to refrain from such practices, but warned that legal action could be considered if violations continue.
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