DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also ruling Awami League president, said that no project would be commissioned in India’s Tipaimukh until Bangladesh agrees.

The premier also claimed that discussion with Bangladesh is needed whenever there is any project to be commissioned in Tipaimukh.

However, the Indian government started constructing Tipaimukh Dam on the upstream of Barak River about 100 kilometers from Bangladesh-India border to produce 500-mw electricity.

Experts have been expressing their concern about the dam that will disrupt the national flows of the river and will cause massive harm in both Bangladesh economy and environment.

Regarding Teesta water sharing issue, the premier said talks are going on and he hopes that a satisfactory result would come out soon.

The PM further emphasized the revival of rail and river routes. She said that the bridges, which make boats obstacles, will be reconstructed.

She also said to increase rice productions in country’s southern regions rather than the northern regions so that the farmers in the south can use surface water for paddy.

Sheikh Hasina added: ‘Researchers are trying to invent a new variety of rice which will be tolerable to saline water in the southern region, she added.

BDST: 1605 HRS, MAY 11, 2014