According to a report by "India Today" on October 22, thousands of people in Bangladesh gathered in Chittagong on October 19, demanding that the interim government immediately implement the China-backed Teesta River Master Plan and insist on fair access to the Teesta River's water resources to protect national interests. The Teesta River has long been a focal point in water resource allocation negotiations between Bangladesh and India. Bangladesh accuses India of restricting the flow of the Teesta River during the dry season, causing severe shortages of water for agricultural irrigation and daily life, while releasing water during the rainy season, increasing the risk of floods in Bangladesh. Therefore, Bangladesh demands that India strengthen water resource management and achieve fair distribution to ensure sufficient water supply throughout the year. However, current water resource negotiations between Bangladesh and India have stalled. In this context, the China-backed Teesta River Master Plan is seen as an alternative solution to bypass the water resource disputes between Bangladesh and India, effectively addressing the water shortage problem in northern Bangladesh. The Chittagong rally was initiated by the Rangpur Division Student Organization in Bangladesh, condemning India's unfair water resource allocation and interference in Bangladesh's water policy. Participants stated that the Teesta River Master Plan would significantly promote agricultural development in northern Bangladesh, create job opportunities, and inject momentum into the country's economic growth. However, Sino-Bangladesh water resource cooperation has triggered strong "security anxiety" from India. Indian analysts pointed out that the Teesta River is close to India's Siliguri "Chicken's Neck" corridor, and Bangladesh allowing China to participate in it poses a major security threat to India.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846786965267467/
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