Water and war!
Historically, shortage of water and search for it had led to many wars and destruction. In today's world, international rivers that cross two or more countries lead to the same situation, though wars are avoided, usually by international pressure or intervention.
Usually, upstream countries unilaterally harvest and divert river waters for their own needs, without any care or consideration for the needs of the other downstream countries!
Your report in the front page of your March 2nd issue depicts this stark and cruel reality; with both China and India being guilty; drawing water from the Brahmaputra at their own whim; with Bangladesh the worst and only sufferer! In the decades, or even earlier, it will lead to major desertification of Bangladesh, with water, a gift of nature, becoming a scarce commodity. India is only worried about the upstream Brahmaputra water diversion or damming by China, while actually 'caring a fig' for the dire needs of water by Bangladesh! They are going on with damming and river linking projects all around Bangladesh, for which their budget now is Indian Rupee 500,000 crore, which is over US$125 billion (at US$1=I.Rs40 basis).
Our situation, it seems, does not allow us to question why, but only to die! So much for all the talks and acts of bilateral "friendship(?)" which is nothing but an eye wash! The 'fried' ship will run aground before it is launched, with no water to float on! That is the fact of life, for us.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments