In the unfolding saga of Bangladesh’s relentless struggle against natural disasters, the recent floods that devastated large swaths of the country serve as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted challenges the nation faces. As torrents of water inundated 11 districts, leaving nearly 4.8 million people in dire straits, the disaster laid bare not only the immediate dangers posed by climate change but also the intricate web of geopolitical tensions, environmental mismanagement, and diplomatic shortcomings that have exacerbated Bangladesh’s vulnerability.
August 2024 saw Bangladesh grappling with one of the most severe flooding events in recent memory. Districts such as Cumilla, Feni, Chattogram, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria, Lakshmipur, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachhari, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Sylhet were hit hardest, with the floods claiming 15 lives and displacing 4.8 million people.
The scale of the disaster prompted a nationwide response, with the government, military, and civilians mobilizing to provide relief to those affected. Yet, as the waters rose, so did the questions about the underlying causes of the floods—questions that inevitably pointed to the role of India’s upstream water management practices.
The Shadow of India's Dam Policies
Bangladesh’s geographical position as a downstream nation makes it particularly vulnerable to the actions of its upstream neighbor, India. The construction and management of dams on transboundary rivers by India have long been a source of tension, with Bangladesh often bearing the brunt of decisions made without adequate consultation or cooperation. The recent floods have once again brought these issues to the forefront, with accusations that India’s failure to notify Bangladesh before releasing water from the Dumboor Hydroelectric Plant in Tripura exacerbated the disaster.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, a key figure in Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, voiced these concerns during a visit to flood-affected areas in Habiganj. “This is not a matter of personal opinion. It is a government-to-government matter,” Hasan remarked, highlighting the urgent need for better communication and cooperation between the two countries. The lack of transparency and the unilateral decision to open the dam gates without prior warning have fueled a sense of betrayal and frustration among Bangladeshis, who are left to contend with the consequences.
Nahid Islam, the adviser for information and broadcasting in Bangladesh’s interim cabinet, echoed these sentiments, accusing India of showing “inhumanity and non-cooperation” by failing to notify Bangladesh before releasing the water.
The anger in Bangladesh is palpable, with Islam noting that the people and students of Bangladesh are increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as India’s “anti-people policy.”
A Historical Perspective: The Farakka Barrage and Beyond
To understand the full extent of the impact of India’s dam policies on Bangladesh, one must look back to the construction of the Farakka Barrage on the Ganges River in 1975. This structure, intended to divert water to the Hooghly River in West Bengal, has had profound and lasting consequences for Bangladesh. The diversion of water from the Ganges has led to a significant reduction in the river’s flow into Bangladesh, with devastating effects on agriculture, ecosystems, and the livelihoods of millions.
The reduced flow of the Ganges has caused a dramatic increase in soil salinity, particularly in the southwest region of Bangladesh, where the once fertile land has become increasingly barren. The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has also suffered. The decreased freshwater flow has allowed saltwater from the Bay of Bengal to encroach further inland, threatening the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem and endangering species such as the Bengal tiger.
The ecological impacts extend beyond the Ganges. The construction of dams has led to the siltation of riverbeds, the reduction of navigable waterways, and the loss of floodplains that once served as vital breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic species.
The Musa Khan Basin, for example, has seen the obliteration of distributaries like the Baral and the Gorai rivers, leading to a significant decline in fish populations, including the critically endangered Gangetic dolphins. These environmental changes have not only disrupted the natural habitats but have also devastated the communities that rely on these rivers for their livelihoods.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the depletion of groundwater resources. As the flow of surface water has diminished, reliance on groundwater has increased, leading to over-extraction and the subsequent lowering of the water table. In many areas, this has resulted in the contamination of drinking water with arsenic, creating a public health crisis that affects millions.
The Tipaimukh Dam and the Threat to Bangladesh’s Water Security
While the Farakka Barrage remains one of the most prominent symbols of the challenges Bangladesh faces due to India’s upstream water management, it is not the only one. The proposed Tipaimukh Dam on the Barak River poses another significant threat to Bangladesh’s water security. Located in India’s Manipur state, the dam is designed to generate hydroelectric power and control flooding, but its construction could have dire consequences for Bangladesh.
The Barak River is a crucial tributary of the Meghna River, one of Bangladesh’s three major river systems. The Tipaimukh Dam’s potential to reduce the river’s flow into Bangladesh raises concerns about the impact on the haor ecosystems—wetlands that are vital for agriculture, fisheries, and wildlife. The drying up of these wetlands would lead to the loss of biodiversity, increased salinity, and further displacement of communities. Additionally, the dam’s location in a seismically active region adds to the concerns, as it could trigger earthquakes, further endangering the safety and livelihoods of those downstream.
The Ambitious River Linking Project: A Looming Disaster
Adding to Bangladesh’s concerns is India’s ambitious River Linking Project, which aims to connect various rivers across the country to redistribute water from surplus to deficit areas. While the project is intended to address water scarcity in India, its implications for Bangladesh could be catastrophic.
The River Linking Project involves the construction of canals, dams, and reservoirs to divert water from rivers like the Brahmaputra and the Ganges to other parts of India. For Bangladesh, this could mean a further reduction in the flow of these vital rivers, exacerbating existing water shortages and environmental degradation. The project also raises the specter of increased flooding during the monsoon season, as the diversion of additional water could overwhelm Bangladesh’s already fragile river systems, leading to catastrophic flooding and loss of life.
Legal and Diplomatic Challenges: The Struggle for Fair Water Sharing
The water-sharing disputes between India and Bangladesh have been a source of tension for decades. Several agreements have been reached over the years, such as the Ganges Water Treaty of 1996, which aimed to ensure a fair distribution of water during the dry season. However, these agreements have often been criticized for being inadequate and not fully implemented. The lack of comprehensive treaties covering all transboundary rivers only adds to the complexity of the issue.
Bangladesh has repeatedly called for a more equitable and sustainable approach to water management, emphasizing the need for joint river basin management and greater cooperation between the two countries. However, progress has been slow, with India often prioritizing its domestic needs over regional cooperation.
The document "Downstream Ecocide from Upstream Water Piracy" suggests that Bangladesh should seek international intervention, including the involvement of the United Nations, to address the issue of water piracy. The country has also been urged to develop its master plan for water management, including the dredging of rivers and the restoration of wetlands, to mitigate the impact of reduced water flows.
The diplomatic landscape is further complicated by the political transitions in both countries. The recent ousting of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, after 15 years in power, has introduced new dynamics into the bilateral relationship. Hasina’s government was often seen as pro-India, and her departure has fueled speculation about how the new leadership in Dhaka will navigate the delicate balance of maintaining relations with its powerful neighbor while addressing the domestic outcry over water management issues.
However, it’s essential to consider another perspective that complicates this narrative. The operation of dams, particularly during times of extreme weather, is a complex and often high-stakes decision-making process. During flood events, the first step in dam operations is to try to mitigate downstream flooding by reducing releases and storing as much water as possible within the dam. However, this strategy has its limits.
If rainfall continues unabated and inflows remain high, the dam can reach critical elevation points where the risk of overtopping becomes imminent. At this stage, operators may have no choice but to release water to protect the dam’s structural integrity, even if it exacerbates flooding downstream.
This necessity arises because a dam failure due to overtopping could lead to catastrophic consequences far worse than controlled water releases. In such situations, the priority shifts to preventing a potential breach, as the consequences of a dam failure are far more devastating than controlled flooding. Moreover, the timing of these releases is often dictated by the urgency of the situation, leaving little opportunity for advance warning. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly, and even the best-laid plans may not allow for the kind of notice that downstream communities would ideally receive.
The unprecedented rate at which the Dumboor Dam filled due to heavy rainfall likely forced such a difficult decision, and while the downstream impact on Bangladesh was severe, it underscores the complexities involved in managing such extreme weather events.
The Need for Improved Negotiation Strategies
While these operational realities complicate the narrative, they also underscore a critical point: the importance of robust, well-negotiated water-sharing treaties. Unlike the situation in Bangladesh, where agreements are either weak or nonexistent, the United States and Canada have successfully managed shared water resources through treaties like the Columbia River Treaty. This treaty, which has been in place for decades, includes provisions for flood management and has recently been renegotiated to better address the needs of both countries.
In contrast, Bangladesh’s attempts to secure equitable water-sharing agreements with India have often been thwarted by political and diplomatic challenges. The failed Teesta Treaty is a prime example. The treaty, which was supposed to address water-sharing issues on the Teesta River, has been stalled for years, primarily due to opposition from the Indian state of West Bengal.
The inability of Bangladesh’s previous governments to negotiate effectively and secure favorable terms has left the country in a precarious position.
The complexities of dam operations during floods highlight the necessity of strong, enforceable treaties that can provide a framework for managing shared water resources in a way that benefits all parties involved. Without such agreements, downstream countries like Bangladesh remain vulnerable to the decisions of their upstream neighbors.
A Display of Unity Amid Crisis: The Role of Dhaka University Students
In the face of this national disaster, the people of Bangladesh have shown remarkable unity and resilience, particularly the students of Dhaka University (DU). Over the past two days, DU students have been working tirelessly to collect and organize relief goods and funds for the flood-affected people across the country. The scenes at the TSC premises of Dhaka University were extraordinary, with student volunteers carrying relief goods on their heads, moving supplies into the TSC cafeteria and indoor sports room.
The campaign, initiated under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has brought together people from all walks of life. Vehicles of all kinds—private cars, pickup trucks, and large trucks—lined up outside TSC as people brought in donations. From small children bringing their piggy banks to elderly citizens offering whatever they could, the display of unity and compassion has been inspiring.
Dr. Samina Luthfa, a professor of Sociology at Dhaka University, remarked, “The way TSC became a center for relief during the floods of '88 and '98 is something we haven't seen in a long time. These are encouraging signs. It shows that the people of Bangladesh, who have been enduring severe repression and persecution, are now trying to transform the country into a democratic one.”
The relief efforts have been organized with meticulous care. At the entrance of TSC, a public relief booth was set up, where donations were registered before being moved to the indoor sports room for packaging. The relief items were then stored in the TSC cafeteria, ready to be dispatched to the flood-affected areas by covered vans. Several vehicles had already left for the affected regions, and more were scheduled to depart, ensuring that aid reached those in need as quickly as possible.
Bhuiyan Asaduzzaman, a member of the Liaison Committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, highlighted the unity of people from all classes, professions, and political identities in running the relief camp.
“Our struggle was against the binary identity—the walls that were erected between us. Through this effort, we have reached a stage where personal ideologies are set aside; what matters now is our shared identity as Bangladeshis,” he told The Daily Star.
This spontaneous and collective response is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Bangladeshi people, even in the face of immense challenges.
The Challenges of Rescue and Relief Efforts
The severity of the flooding has also highlighted the immense challenges faced by rescue and relief efforts, particularly in remote areas like Feni. Hasan noted that the situation in Feni is particularly bad, with the interim government giving their utmost attention there. “There has been flooding in Feni before, but never to such an extent,” she said, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the crisis.
One of the major challenges in Feni has been accessing the affected people, especially with the disruption of electricity and mobile networks. Hasan explained, “The most challenging aspect has been reaching remote areas and carrying out rescue operations. On Wednesday night, there was no electricity or mobile network, so the rescue mission became very difficult.” The use of helicopters for rescue and relief operations has also been limited due to treacherous weather conditions and the risk of loss of life during relief distribution.
Despite these challenges, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), the army, and numerous volunteers are working tirelessly to reach those trapped in flood-hit areas. Hasan mentioned that coordinated efforts are being made at both the field and national levels, with various government departments and ministries collaborating to address the situation.
Addressing the Internal Challenges
In addition to cross-border river issues, encroachments and blockages in Bangladesh's river systems are another major concern. The narrowing of river paths due to illegal constructions has obstructed water drainage, exacerbating the impact of flooding. Estimates given by the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC) show that river encroachment is a widespread issue across the country, contributing to the severity of floods.
Going forward, Bangladesh must adopt a comprehensive approach to flood management. This includes restoring natural river channels, addressing encroachments, and strengthening regional cooperation and the effectiveness of relevant institutions to prevent future disasters.
Given the repetitive nature of flash floods caused by upstream flows, experts have also suggested that the government approach floods not just from the perspective of river management but also that of security.
As Hasan remarked, “The bigger concern as to whether we have done adequate river management keeping in mind how flood-prone we are was discussed, though the immediate focus is now on rescue and rehabilitation.” She emphasized the need for long-term solutions, stating, “I have long been saying that our rivers are losing navigability. We have to address these wider concerns in the long run.”
Is India’s Policy Malicious?
The question of whether India’s dam-building and water management policies are intentionally harmful to Bangladesh is complex. On one hand, India’s primary objective is to manage its own water resources to prevent flooding and ensure water availability for its population. However, the downstream consequences of these actions have often been devastating for Bangladesh, leading to accusations of negligence or even malice.
The failure to notify Bangladesh before opening the Dumboor Dam has reignited these concerns. The perception in Bangladesh is that India’s actions, whether intentional or not, have consistently placed the country in a vulnerable position. The lack of consultation and transparency only adds to the suspicion that India’s policies are not merely negligent but potentially hostile.
Nahid Islam’s remarks reflect the growing frustration within Bangladesh, as he urged India to stop its “anti-people policy.” The anger has been palpable, with student protests erupting in Dhaka, accusing India of a conspiracy to flood Bangladesh as retribution for the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
However, the decisions made during the flood were likely influenced by operational realities that required rapid and difficult choices. The release of water from the Dumboor Dam, while devastating for downstream communities, may have been necessary to prevent a more catastrophic failure. This does not absolve India of responsibility but highlights the complex interplay of factors that influence such decisions.
The Path Forward: Cooperation and Transparency
The devastating floods of August 2024 should serve as a wake-up call for both India and Bangladesh. While natural factors like monsoon rains play a significant role in such disasters, the human element—particularly the management of shared water resources—cannot be overlooked. India’s failure to notify Bangladesh before releasing water from the Dumboor Dam is just one example of how a lack of cooperation can exacerbate natural disasters.
Moving forward, it is crucial that India and Bangladesh work together to establish a more transparent and collaborative approach to water management. This includes regular communication, joint monitoring of water levels, and advance warning systems for dam releases. Only through mutual respect and cooperation can the two countries hope to prevent future disasters and ensure the well-being of their people. The time for action is now, before the next flood season arrives.
While it is clear that India’s dam policies may have contributed to the recent flooding in Bangladesh, the broader issue is one of mismanagement and lack of cooperation. The situation is further complicated by internal challenges within Bangladesh, such as river encroachment and inadequate river management. To mitigate future disasters, Bangladesh must address both external and internal factors, ensuring that it is better prepared for the increasingly severe impacts of climate change. As Hasan wisely pointed out, “We must approach this issue with the urgency that it deserves, especially considering the huge human and economic tolls.”
