DHAKA : Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, MP, today said 16 government agencies under the ministry are working to keep the waterways operational across the country.
“Each of these agencies will be made effective to ensure safe waterways journeys,” he said while addressing the inaugural function of Maritime Safety Week-2026 as the chief guest at Ladies Club in the capital’s Ramna area, organised by the Department of Shipping, according to a ministry press release.
The minister said Bangladesh naturally has 16,000 kilometres of waterways, of which around 7,500 kilometres are currently operational.
Efforts are underway to keep 1,200 kilometres of waterways navigable through dredging, he said, adding that there are scopes to make another 4,500 kilometres operational.
Sheikh Rabiul Alam said 53,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed across the country over the last 53 years, while Bangladesh has naturally been blessed with 16,000 kilometres of waterways.
“If this huge network of waterways can be made fully functional, pressure on roads will reduce tsignificantly and transportation of goods will become much easier,” he added.
Speaking at the function, State Minister for Shipping Md. Razib Ahsan, MP, said despite taking extensive precautions last year, two accidents on waterways caused immense sorrow.
“So, ahead of the upcoming Eid, all those involved with water transport services must remain alert and aware,” he said.
Mentioning that waterways are extremely important in riverine Bangladesh, Shipping Secretary Zakaria said 90 percent of the country’s total goods are transported through waterways and efforts are being made to increase the volume further in future.
The secretary said designs of water vessels were previously examined manually, but from now on the process will be conducted digitally.
He said the number of passengers on waterways declined significantly compared to the past, adding that passengers’ confidence must be restored through strengthened safety measures to increase the number of commuters on waterways again.
Director General of the Department of Shipping Commodore Md. Shafiul Bari chaired the function.
Among others, Coast Guard Additional Director General Commodore Afzal Hossain and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Organisation President Badiuzzaman Babul also spoke on the occasion.
