Netherlands offers Teesta feasibility study support

The Netherlands has expressed interest in conducting a feasibility study and providing technical assistance for Bangladesh’s Teesta River management project, as the two countries seek to deepen cooperation in water management, trade, renewable energy and agriculture.

The proposal emerged at a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and a high-level Dutch delegation led by Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Netherlands’ Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Mr Tarique highlighted the shared challenges confronting the two delta nations and commended Dutch expertise in preventing riverbank erosion and reclaiming land. In response, Mr Sjoerdsma underscored the case for closer collaboration in transboundary river management, char development and climate-resilient river systems. Furthermore, the talks covered expanding bilateral trade and investment, safeguarding Bangladesh’s long-term trade advantages in the European Union market, bolstering energy security and boosting agricultural productivity through Dutch technology.

Dhaka also sought the Netherlands’ diplomatic and political support for a prospective free trade agreement with the EU, a proposal the Dutch minister received positively. Moreover, both sides discussed renewable energy initiatives and cooperation in modernising agriculture. The meeting additionally stressed the need for a sustainable resolution to the Rohingya crisis, with Bangladesh reiterating that safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to Myanmar remains the only viable solution.

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Mr Tarique also pledged his government’s commitment to the rule of law, human rights and democratic institutions. The meeting concluded with Mr Sjoerdsma extending a formal invitation to the prime minister to visit the Netherlands. Senior officials and ministers from both countries attended the talks.