Dhaka: Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday said signing the Teesta water-sharing deal with India is now only a matter of time as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is determined to do it as she did the Ganges water-sharing pact.

Speaking at a discussion, he also said BNP will have to apologise if it fails to show documents that deals with India were signed 'selling' the country or 'harming' its independence and sovereignty.

"Sheikh Hasina had signed Ganges water-sharing treaty, and she would also ink the Teesta water-sharing one. Have patience as it'll take some time to have the Teesta deal signed...there's a one-step progress for ensuring the due share of Teesta water and that of other common rivers," Quader said.

Swechchasebak League arranged the programme in front of Awami League's central office ahead of Mujibnagar Day.

Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, hoped that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon take proper steps for signing the Teesta deal. "We hope the friendly country India will value the feelings and emotions of the people of Bangladesh. The ties of the two countries will reach a new height with the implementation of Teesta deal."

About BNP chairperson's allegation that Awami League is selling the country by signing deals with India, he said, "All the deals and MoUs were signed openly during the Prime Minister's current historic tour. Go through every line of deals and find out how the country has been sold or its sovereignty harmed. If you can't prove it, you must apologise to the nation."

In a counter attack, Quader said those who have sold their conscience to Pakistan can say the country has been sold to India through the deals signed Sheikh Hasina's current India tour. "Country's people don't believe BNP's such unguarded remarks."