Dhaka, Sept 6 (V7N): Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, underscored the urgency of resolving the prolonged Teesta water-sharing dispute with India, stating that further delays are detrimental to both nations. In an interview with the Press Trust of India, Yunus emphasized that the issue should be addressed according to international principles, ensuring equitable water distribution for downstream nations like Bangladesh.

Yunus stressed the significance of transparency in water-sharing agreements, even if Bangladesh does not receive its ideal share. "It's better to know our portion than to remain in uncertainty," he remarked. When questioned about his government's stance on the matter, Yunus responded, "Push might be too strong a word... but we will pursue the issue. It requires negotiation and resolution."

The Teesta water-sharing agreement was nearly finalized in 2011 during the visit of then-Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Dhaka. However, the deal was stalled after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concerns over water shortages in her state.

Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh's entitlement as a downstream country and advocated for a resolution based on international standards. He also proposed that until the agreement is finalized, both countries should cooperate on a humanitarian basis to manage the effects of seasonal floods.

"Collaborating on humanitarian grounds can alleviate the hardships caused by floods," Yunus said. Recent floods in Bangladesh have displaced millions and led to several fatalities. Indian officials, however, dismissed claims that water released from Indian dams caused the flooding in Bangladesh, labeling such reports inaccurate.

Yunus also criticized the killing of Bangladeshi citizens at the India-Bangladesh border, calling such actions "inhumane." He urged the use of legal measures to resolve cross-border issues. "Shooting is not a solution. We need a structured legal process to deal with these incidents," he stated.

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