Groundwork and physical construction of the long-awaited Padma Barrage Project will become visible between January and March 2027, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie announced. Initial field surveys, site inspections, and technical framework assessments for the project have already been finalized.
The Minister made these statements while speaking to journalists following a seminar titled “Rethinking the Future of Water” held at the BIISS Auditorium in Dhaka on Thursday (October 8, 2026).
Major policy highlights and diplomatic priorities shared by the Water Resources Minister include:
Padma Barrage Timeline (Q1 2027): Addressing lean-season water scarcity along the Padma River and protecting the agricultural economy and ecological balance of southwestern Bangladesh remain top government priorities. On-site structural development will be plainly visible to the public within the first three months of 2027.
Ganges Water Sharing Treaty Expiration: The 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty signed in 1996 will expire on December 12, 2026. Technical teams from both countries under the Joint River Commission (JRC) are holding regular talks, and both nations remain optimistic about finalizing a renewed accord before the deadline.
Demand for 1977 ‘Guarantee Clause’: Bangladesh’s primary diplomatic objective in the new treaty is incorporating a “Guarantee Clause” modeled on the 1977 bilateral agreement. This clause would ensure a mandatory minimum volume of water flow for Bangladesh at the Farakka point during lean months, regardless of overall river water fluctuations.
Protecting Padma and Teesta Riverine Communities: Minister Annie reiterated: “The people living along the banks of the Padma and Teesta rivers are our citizens. In international diplomatic negotiations, the pressure of our national interest and our people’s needs is paramount. We are advancing talks with that responsibility at the forefront.”
