'Mamata Was Impediment': Bangladesh Eyes Breakthrough On Teesta Pact After BJP Sweeps Bengal

Last Updated:May 06, 2026, 12:46 IST

Azizul Baree Helal, the BNP’s Information Secretary, said the BJP’s victory could help restore smoother ties between West Bengal and the Bangladesh government.

While the BJP celebrates its sweeping victory in West Bengal, there is a sense of optimism across the border as well. Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have long blamed Mamata Banerjee’s government for holding up the Teesta water-sharing agreement.

Azizul Baree Helal, the BNP’s Information Secretary, said the BJP’s victory could help restore smoother ties between West Bengal and the Bangladesh government. He added that the political shift may pave the way for improved cooperation and a more stable bilateral relationship between Dhaka and Kolkata.

“Actually, previously we saw that Mamata Banerjee was actually the impediment to establishing the Teesta Barrage. Now, in my opinion, since the BJP won the election under Suvendu’s leadership, the Teesta Barrage agreement–which was very much desired by the Bangladesh government and the Modi government," he said.

The BNP now hopes that the Teesta Barrage project will move forward. “We (BNP and BJP) have a good relationship. Ideologically, we are different, but on some issues, we are very much united–like the Teesta Barrage and the general relationship between Bangladesh and India. On an issue basis, we are united, even if ideologically separated. I think with the new government in West Bengal, our relationship will be accelerated more and more," said Helal.

What Is Teesta Barrage Project?

The Teesta Barrage Project is a critical multipurpose water system serving West Bengal, and northern Bangladesh. Centered around the Gajoldoba Barrage in Bengal and the Dalia Barrage in Bangladesh, it aims to provide irrigation and hydropower to millions. However, the lack of a formal water-sharing treaty has led to a decade-long diplomatic stalemate.

While the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty governs water sharing at Farakka, the Teesta remains unregulated. A breakthrough seemed possible in 2011 when a draft agreement proposed allocating 37.5% to Bangladesh and 42.5% to India. This was blocked by the West Bengal government, which argued that diverting water during the lean months (December–May) would devastate North Bengal’s agricultural interests and its 9.22 lakh hectare irrigation goal.

(with inputs from ANI)

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