Indian officials assured us that the proposed Tipaimukh dam was meant for hydroelectricity generation,' said Razzaq, a lawmaker of the ruling Awami League.

'India also assured us that they would not set up any irrigation project there. Moreover, the dam will reduce the risk of floods,' he said.

The three assurances counter the points raised by protesters who have been joined by main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), analysts here said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked that a team of experts be constituted to study the details of the project furnished by the Indian side.

Quoting an Indian water expert, Razzaq said the Tipaimukh dam would help control floods in Bangladesh and increase water flow in the Kushiara and the Surma in dry seasons.

Asked whether his Indian counterparts would keep their promise, Razzaq said: 'Why won't we trust them? They helped us a lot during our Liberation War and on many other occasions.'

Citing the example of the Indus Water Treaty between Pakistan and India, Razzaq said: 'If Pakistan and India being two countries involved in a number of wars can strike a water sharing deal, what is the problem for Bangladesh to have an agreement with India.'

'For the first time in the last 40 years India has agreed to provide us with such information on the dam,' said the senior lawmaker, adding that Indian authorities had given them a booklet containing facts and information on the project.

The delegation had submitted a voluminous report to Hasina on their experience and visit to the site.