On May 20, 2026, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that his government will initiate the construction of the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage projects. Speaking at a civic gathering in Gazipur near Dhaka, Rahman emphasized the significance of these projects for ensuring timely water supply for farmers, particularly during the dry season. He noted that Bangladesh faces challenges with water scarcity, exacerbated by the Farakka Barrage in India, which has led to increased salinity in southern regions like the Sundarbans. The Prime Minister's announcement comes ahead of his scheduled visit to China at the end of June, where he intends to discuss financing for the Teesta Barrage, which is projected to involve billions of dollars. Furthermore, Rahman pointed out that the current Ganges water-sharing treaty will expire in December 2026, and discussions are ongoing regarding its renewal, amidst historical disagreements over shared river flows between Bangladesh and India. The Teesta River water-sharing treaty has faced delays due to opposition from West Bengal's former Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.