India will take the right decision on renewing the Ganges treaty, hopes State Minister Shama Obaid

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid has expressed hope that India will take the right decision on renewing the Ganges water-sharing treaty. She voiced the hope in reply to a question on whether a fresh treaty would be signed before the current one expires, or the existing treaty would be renewed.

Shama Obaid said the prime minister has formed a committee for talks on the Ganges treaty. The committee includes the water resources minister and the finance adviser, among other relevant representatives, and the foreign ministry is also represented on it.

The state minister said that alongside formal talks with India, discussions on the Ganges treaty are continuing at various levels, and Bangladesh hopes the formal talks will be fruitful.

She also said Bangladesh believes and hopes that the treaty, which expires this year, will be renewed again.

On whether the treaty will be renewed or discussed under a new framework, Shama Obaid said the talks will give importance to Bangladesh's fair demand and the water needs of the country's people.

She said the most suitable decision for the future will be taken to resolve the water crisis.

The state minister said the government will move forward in the talks with India keeping Bangladesh's interests and the people's demand for water in consideration.