Bangladesh has said no country should be concerned about the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), asserting that it will pursue the project in line with its national interests.
Speaking to reporters in Dhaka, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said the country would implement the project as a sovereign nation.
"There is no reason for any other country to be worried about this," he said.
Rahman added that China has the technical expertise and financial capacity to undertake the project.
"I see no reason for any country to be anxious about our developmental steps. India or any other nation will engage with Bangladesh as a sovereign state. If any country has security concerns, Bangladesh will consider them. Likewise, if Bangladesh has concerns, others must also take those into account," he said.
The remarks came after India reiterated its concerns over the project, particularly in the context of discussions between Bangladesh and China during Rahman's recent visit to Beijing.
Responding to queries on the issue, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's development assistance for projects in Bangladesh is based on a mutually agreed roadmap that is reviewed regularly.
"Our views on the Teesta River project have been conveyed to the Bangladesh side. We will factor all related developments in our overall approach to the Teesta issue," Jaiswal said.
India has expressed concerns over China's involvement in the project because of the Teesta region's proximity to the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, which connects India's northeastern states with the rest of the country.
China has also reiterated its support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project despite India's concerns.