Transboundary Water Dispute between Bangladesh and India and the Role of Bangladesh National River Conservation Commission

Rivers have historically been essential to human civilization and continue to be pivotal in transboundary water disputes (TWDs) worldwide. Bangladesh, situated within the Ganga–Meghna–Brahmaputra basin, collectively shares 54 rivers with India and faces persistent challenges in securing equitable water access for its ecosystems, particularly during dry monsoon periods. To solve these issues, bilateral agreements have been put in place, such as the establishment of the Joint River Commission in 1972 followed by the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty of 1996. In light of the growing global momentum around the ‘Right of Nature’ movement, attention has turned to the role of horizontally accountable institutions, most notably the Bangladesh National River Conservation Commission (NRCC), in mediating TWD with India. Founded in 2013 under the principles of the ‘public trust doctrine’, the NRCC is mandated to protect and rehabilitate riverine ecosystems. This qualitative study examines the governance challenges and opportunities embedded within current institutional arrangements, concentrating especially on the vertical perspective of Bangladesh–India water disputes. It finds that river governance is increasingly embracing eco-centric and inclusive approaches worldwide, and Bangladesh is actively aligning with this shift. This study emphasises the strategic importance of integrating the NRCC into transboundary water negotiations. By reinterpreting existing legal mandates and drawing on successful global precedents, the NRCC can emerge as a pivotal institution in promoting environmental sustainability and safeguarding Bangladesh's transnational aquatic ecosystems within the broader South Asian context.