Bangladesh-India Joint Rivers Commission was formed in 1972. In 1977, the first five-year water-sharing treaty was signed. However, there was no effective treaty for eight years from 1988 to 1996. During that time, India unilaterally occupied Farakka, the serious impact of which was seen in Bangladesh.
The 30-year treaty signed on 12 December 1996 was a milestone.
According to the agreement, if the flow in Farakka is 70,000 cusecs or less, the two countries will share the water equally; If the flow is between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs, Bangladesh is assured of getting 35,000 cusecs, and India will get the rest. If the flow exceeds 75,000 cusecs, India is assured of getting 40,000 cusecs, with the remaining given to Bangladesh. However, the condition is that both the countries are assured to receive 35,000 cusecs on a rotational basis in three ten-day cycles from April 1 to May 10.
Yet, despite this treaty, Bangladesh often did not get its fair share. Due to internal use and other upstream infrastructure within India, the water received by Bangladesh has often been reduced.
The term of this treaty expires in December 2026. No clear discussion has yet started on any new treaty between the two countries. If this inaction continues, Bangladesh may again become a victim of unilateral water management by 2027.