DHAKA: Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud welcomes BNP’s long-march towards Teesta barrage demanding due share of Teesta water from India.

The long-march begins at 8:00am Tuesday from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport square in the capital.

It will conclude through a public meeting at Dalia point of Teesta barrage on Wednesday.

With BNP continued its preparations in the capital and elsewhere in the country, the Water Resources Minister, who represents “opposition” Jatiya Party in the government, showed a positive gesture.

He however denied BNP’s allegation of “subservient foreign policy”.

“We are in continued discussions with New Delhi and in the final stage of an agreement for sharing Teesta water,” he said.

The minister is optimistic about a treaty ensuring due share of water of Teesta for Bangladesh once a new government is formed in India.

A new government is expected in New Delhi after announcement of general elections’ results on May 16 following a staggering voting that ends on May 12.

However, the government is worried about recent abnormal fall of Teesta water on Bangladesh part.

“We expressed our concern to New Delhi through the Indian High Commission in Dhaka,” he said.

BDST: 1930 HRS, APR 21, 2014