State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury inaugurated an experimental launch service from Balasighat in Gaibandha to Bahadurabadghat in Jamalpur on Saturday afternoon.
If the pilot launch service becomes successful, ferries will be arranged for the transportation of goods and vehicles.
The state minister said this while addressing a function at Balasi seaport on the occasion of the inauguration of the pilot launch service between Balasi and Bahadurabad.
The government has taken the initiative to dig 10,000 kilometers of waterways. In the meantime, 7,000 km of waterways have been excavated, said the junior minister.
Khalid inaugurates pilot launch service in Gaibandha
Dredger base will be set up at Balasi port. As a result, there will be a full-time dredger and the port will regain momentum, he hopes.
In order to ensure uninterrupted ferry and launch services on both the banks of the Jamuna river, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) under the Ministry of Shipping has constructed terminals at Balasi and Bahadurabad.
BIWTA Chairman Commodore Golam Sadeq presided over the function while Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Md. Rafiqul Islam Khan, Gaibandha District Awami League General Secretary Abu Bakar Siddique, Deputy Commissioner Oliur Rahman, and Superintendent of Police Touhidul Islam among others were present on the occasion.
Source: United News of Bangladesh