# Bangladesh Presses India Over Ganges Water Treaty

> Bangladesh urges India to renew Ganges water treaty before December expiry.
- Title: Bangladesh Presses India Over Ganges Water Treaty · Dawn
- Summary: Bangladesh urges India to renew Ganges water treaty before December expiry. Bangladesh warns of water shortages if India fails to renew 1996 Ganges water…
- Keywords: bangladesh, india, ganges water treaty, padma river, farakka barrage, river sharing, water scarcity, climate change, Dawn
- Source: Dawn — https://dawn.com/news/2040667/bangladesh-presses-india-before-ganges-water-treaty-expires
- Author: AFP
- Published: 2026-10-29T06:01:09+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: bangladesh, india, ganges water treaty, padma river, farakka barrage, river sharing, water scarcity, climate change, news, politics
## Water Treaty Expiry
Bangladesh fears water shortages as 30-year Ganges water-sharing treaty with India expires December 12.
## Shrinking River Flows
In Bangladesh’s parched Barind region, 72-year-old Bikash Soren recalls river flowing year-round from India.
## Suicide Deaths
Two farmers died by suicide last season after dwindling water levels ruined rice and wheat crops.
## Fish Catches Decline
Fish catches in the Ganges have slashed as river flows shrink, forcing farmers to switch to pond farming.
## Ganges Basin Impact
The 2,525-kilometre Ganges flows through 655 million people’s home, including 50 million in Bangladesh.
## 1996 Treaty Details
The 1996 treaty expires December 12 and governs dry-season water sharing at India’s Farakka Barrage.
## Bangladesh’s Demand
Bangladesh needs new treaty based on mutual benefit and respect, says prime ministerial water adviser.
## Historical Tensions
Water arguments over 54 cross-border rivers stretch back decades, with Ganges among most important.
## India’s Position
India says river-related discussions are for Joint Rivers Commission, last talks in May.
## Soured Relations
Bangladesh and India relations soured after Sheikh Hasina fled to India following 2024 uprising.
## Hasina’s Vow
Hasina, sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, vows to return from India in December.
## Prime Minister’s Visit
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may visit India before treaty expires, but no visit confirmed.
## Historical Dispute
Water arguments date back to 1975 when India opened Farakka Barrage, diverting most water to Bangladesh.
## UN Intervention
United Nations intervened in dispute and agreed deal in 1977 after water-sharing lapsed a decade later.
## Environmental Impact
Gorai river dried up, affecting Sundarbans, world’s largest mangrove forest and World Heritage site.
## Ganges-Kobadak Project
Bangladesh’s Ganges-Kobadak Irrigation Project, designed for 955 square kilometres, became inoperative due to water scarcity.
## Padma Barrage
Dhaka approved $2.8-billion Padma Barrage project with 113-megawatt hydropower plant in May.
## Key takeaway

Bangladesh warns of water shortages if India fails to renew 1996 Ganges water treaty by December.