Tarique Rahman welcomed a delegation led by Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka. The Dutch envoy offered to conduct a feasibility study and provide technical assistance for Bangladesh’s Teesta River masterplan.
Both countries are delta nations, sharing similar climate risks and development challenges. Rahman highlighted the potential for joint research on land reclamation, a field where the Netherlands has pioneered flood‑control techniques.
Sjoerdsma urged greater knowledge exchange in water resources management and climate‑resilient river engineering. He said the Netherlands was ready to strengthen ties in trans‑boundary river management, democracy and economic development.
The Teesta project has already seen Chinese involvement, which India has scrutinized because of its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor. After Tarique’s June visit to Beijing, Bangladesh and China issued a joint statement pledging support for integrated water‑resources planning, hydrological forecasting and flood prevention.
Bangladesh insists its cooperation with China focuses on local flood mitigation and dry‑season water shortages, not on undermining Indian interests. The country says the Chinese‑backed project will improve livelihoods along the river basin.
The Dutch minister framed the discussion as a timely opportunity to boost bilateral investment. He called for expanded cooperation in water‑management and trans‑boundary river projects, signaling a potential shift in regional partnership dynamics.