Bangladesh hopeful of Teesta issue being resolved: Minister

Bangladesh Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan on Tuesday said that Dhaka is "hopeful" of the Teesta water sharing issue being resolved and that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would consider their demand.

"We are hopeful about the Teesta water sharing issue, and relations between India and Bangladesh will improve. We believe the long-pending Teesta water sharing issue will be resolved," he said.

Khan also said, "We have been demanding the Teesta waters. We hope West Bengal's Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) will consider our demand."

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she would have no problems in providing water to the neighbouring country provided the central government is ready to look at "suitable alternatives".

Asked about Banerjee's alternative offer, Khan said it is subject to a examination.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during her visit to India last month, had said that resolution of the long-pending Teesta water sharing issue would transform bilateral ties with India.

"No further communication in this regard was exchanged between the two countries after our Prime Minister returned from Delhi," Khan said on the sidelines of an event organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce here.

The Minister said India has been developing the India-Bangladesh river route.

--IANS

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