A transboundary river is a type of river that crosses the political borders of at least one or more countries. There are currently about 260 transboundary rivers in the world. The number of transboundary rivers in Bangladesh is about 57.
The number of transboundary or joint rivers between India and Bangladesh is officially 54. But a 2023 study by Riverine People, a voluntary organization on rivers, wetlands and water resources, found 69 more unrecognized joint or transboundary rivers.
Out of 54 officially recognised rivers, six rivers: Betna-Kodalia, Atrai, Punarbhaba, Tetulia, Tangon, Kulik or Kokil rivers Enters India from Bangladesh and amongst them three river: Betna - Kodalia, Atrai, Punarbhaba rivers Enters India from Bangladesh and then again re-enters Bangladesh. Remaining 48 or 47 <small>( origin of Feni River is disputed)</small> rivers Enters Bangladesh from India and amongst them two rivers Nagar and Dahuk river cross from India to Bangladesh and re-enters India and only Mahananda river flows from India to Bangladesh and then goes through India and then again re-enters Bangladesh.
The Joint River Commission was a bilateral working group established by India and Bangladesh in the Indo-Bangla Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Peace that was signed on 19 March 1972, and came into being in November 1972. As per the treaty, the two nations established the commission to work for the common interests and sharing of water resources, irrigation, floods, and cyclones control. The studies and reports of the commission contributed directly to the efforts of both nations to resolve the dispute over the Sharing of Ganges Waters, facilitating bilateral agreements in 1975, 1978, and finally in 1996.
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