The Yarlung Tsangpo Hydropower Project and Regional Water Dynamics: Strategic Considerations for Bangladesh

Bangladesh will face significant challenges to its water security due to upstream hydropower projects on the Brahmaputra, notably China’s Yarlung and India’s Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. These projects have the potential to alter river flows, trap sediment, and exacerbate flooding or drought conditions, threatening agriculture, fisheries, and the livelihoods of millions in the delta. 

BIPSS Research Associate Mohosina Mostofa Mity expressed concern in this commentary regarding the absence of a binding trilateral water-sharing framework, which leaves Bangladesh highly vulnerable to unilateral upstream decisions, despite its current limited scientific, technical, and diplomatic capacities. Strengthening research institutions, enhancing monitoring, pursuing multilateral cooperation, and implementing robust domestic water management strategies are essential for mitigating risks and safeguarding long-term water, ecological, and food security.