Dhaka: Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced today that extensive dredging activities are underway across Bangladesh to enhance river navigability and maintain operational waterways. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve waterway infrastructure.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister addressed the Jatiya Sangsad in response to a question from independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana. He stated that the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is actively conducting maintenance dredging to ensure navigability nationwide. Additionally, several development projects are in progress to establish new routes and restore existing ones.
The minister highlighted the progress of the ‘Development and Restoration of Navigability of the Old Brahmaputra, Dharla, Tulai and Punarbhaba Rivers (1st Revised)’ project, which currently stands at 45.98 percent completion. The project targeted at improving and restoring navigability in the Mithamain, Itna, and Austagram areas has achieved 88 percent progress.
Rabiul further elaborated on the ‘Development of Waterway from Mongla Port to Chandpur to Goalanda via Rooppur (1st Revised)’ project, which has reached 85.01 percent completion. However, the project focusing on the Jinai, Ghaghat, Bangshi, and Nagda rivers has recorded a 5.10 percent progress.
The minister also mentioned future projects proposed for waterway development. A Development Project Proposal (DPP) for enhancing water communication from Chattogram-Hatia-Chairman Ghat to Bhasan Char was submitted to the Planning Commission on July 21, 2025. Another DPP, aimed at improving the Meghna (Upper) River’s navigability from Raypara to Bhater Char near the Cumilla Economic Zone, was submitted on March 12, 2026.
Additionally, a letter was sent to the Finance Division on April 6, 2026, seeking funding for a comprehensive project in the greater Sylhet region. This project aims to increase navigability through capital dredging, improve drainage systems, and enhance tourism, wetland ecosystems, irrigation, and landing facilities.
The minister expressed optimism that these initiatives would boost river navigability, expand waterways, strengthen flood management, and stimulate economic activities.