Sharing river waters

S.A. Mansoor, Dhaka
The Teesta water sharing agreement is on the anvil, as reported in almost all dailies on 5th. January. From one report in a daily, I quote the Indian Water Resources Secretary's remarks. He stated, "We want to share water with Bangladesh, there is no doubt about it." What remained un-stated is the ratio of water to be shared. Even if we get the leftover, say five percent of Teesta water, even then it is sharing; justifying the basis of the very positive statement given by the Indian secretary! The unfortunate fact of the matter remains that, most of the water of the Ganges has been taken by India, and our share is little. This has resulted in extension of the saline zone in southern Bangladesh, as fresh water Ganges flow in Bangladesh has been drastically curtailed by the Farakka Barrage built by India! Indian foreign policy with neighbours is built on the axiom that "might is right"; and so is the corollary; that "right without might; is no right". You only get the residue, left by the "Mighty" (translate: India). Will not get a drop more, how much you may cry! Now, India is planning and progressively implementing another might based right of sharing Teesta waters; magnanimously leaving for us whatever is left, after satisfying all their needs! It is very much like the sharing of "Goodies" between the big bully and the sad weekling.