Dhaka: Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, MP, announced that 16 government agencies under the shipping ministry are actively engaged in keeping the country's waterways operational. He emphasized that each agency would be made effective to ensure safe waterway journeys. This announcement was made during the inaugural event of Maritime Safety Week-2026 at Ladies Club in the capital's Ramna area, organized by the Department of Shipping.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted that Bangladesh naturally has 16,000 kilometres of waterways, with approximately 7,500 kilometres currently operational. Efforts are underway to keep an additional 1,200 kilometres navigable through dredging, with potential to make another 4,500 kilometres operational. Sheikh Rabiul Alam pointed out that while 53,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed over the past 53 years, fully functional waterways could significantly alleviate road congestion and simplify goods transportation.
State Minister for Shipping Md. Razib Ahsan, MP, addressed the need for vigilance in water transport services, especially in light of two accidents on waterways last year, which caused immense sorrow. He urged all involved to remain alert ahead of the upcoming Eid. Shipping Secretary Zakaria stressed the importance of waterways in Bangladesh, noting that 90 percent of the country's goods are transported through these channels. He mentioned that while the number of passengers has declined, digital advancements in vessel design examinations and strengthened safety measures aim to restore passenger confidence.
The function was chaired by Director General of the Department of Shipping Commodore Md. Shafiul Bari, with additional insights provided by Coast Guard Additional Director General Commodore Afzal Hossain and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Organisation President Badiuzzaman Babul.