DHAKA: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rahman on Monday said the “national priority” Teesta Barrage master plan will be implemented “at any cost”, just days after Dhaka and Beijing agreed to work on the management of the Teesta and other rivers – which flow upstream in India – and Beijing stressed their “cooperation does not target any third party”. During his visit to China last week, Tariq was assured by Beijing of its unwavering support “no matter how the world changes”, and in a June 26 press briefing, when asked about the Teesta River projects in relation to India, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiaqun said, “I would like to emphasize that China-Bangladesh cooperation does not target any third party.” “The government is committed to solving the country’s long-term water management challenges through major investments in rivers, canals and irrigation infrastructure,” Tariq said. Tariq said water is one of the biggest concerns for people in the Rajshahi and Rangpur regions bordering India’s northeastern region and “we are continuously working to solve these problems”. At the regular briefing, Jiyakun had also said, “Comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation of the Teesta River is a livelihood project that the Bangladeshi side attaches high importance to.” Tariq said the BNP government has initiated the plan to build Padma Barrage as the excess water will be stored during monsoon and used for agriculture during the dry season.