IFC Urges Political Parties to Include Water Issues in Poll Manifesto

The International Farakka Committee (IFC) Bangladesh on Monday urged all political parties to prioritise the country’s most critical water-related challenges in their upcoming election manifestos.

The call was made at a press briefing held at a city restaurant, addressed by IFC New York Chairman Sayed Tipu Sultan and IFC Bangladesh President Mostafa Kamal Majumder.

The speakers presented a set of key demands, placing top emphasis on including river and water rights in all political platforms. “Parties must clearly state their position on ensuring the natural flow of shared rivers and commit to protecting the water rights of the people of Bangladesh,” said Sayed Tipu Sultan.

He stressed the need for urgent political attention to water governance, adding that a firm national stance is required against upstream dams and water diversion by India. He warned that interventions on 54 out of 57 shared rivers have already accelerated environmental degradation in Bangladesh.

With the 30-year Ganga Water Treaty expiring in 2026, the IFC called for necessary reforms to ensure guaranteed water availability for Bangladesh, including the introduction of an arbitration mechanism for dispute resolution.

The committee also reiterated the need for an immediate conclusion to the long-delayed Teesta Water Treaty, stalled since 2011, and demanded an end to the complete withdrawal of dry-season flows at the Gajoldoba Barrage in West Bengal, which severely impacts the country’s northwest.

The leaders further highlighted the urgency of establishing a comprehensive, coordinated, and equitable water treaty for all 54 common rivers. Sayed Tipu Sultan emphasised protecting the environment and biodiversity in the southwest, where dozens of rivers have already dried up due to reduced flows.

Mostafa Kamal Majumder called for a national consensus among political parties, civic groups, and citizens on safeguarding Bangladesh’s rights over transboundary waters and raising public awareness.

Rafiqul Islam Azad, joint general secretary of IFC Bangladesh, read out the organisation’s written statement.