Posted on May 11, 2026
Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said on Sunday that the government has planned dredging works on 1,200 kilometres of waterways to make them navigable for transport.
Rabiul Alam, who also serves as the road transport and railways minister, revealed the plan while addressing the inauguration ceremony of Maritime Safety Week-2026 at the Ladies Club on Eskaton Road in the capital.
He said Bangladesh naturally has 16,000 kilometres of waterways, of which around 7,500 kilometres are currently operational.
“There is a plan to keep an additional 1,200 kilometres of waterways navigable through dredging, while there is scope to make another 4,500 kilometres operational,” he said.
The minister said 53,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed across the country over the past 53 years, while Bangladesh has naturally been blessed with 16,000 kilometres of waterways.
“If this vast network of waterways can be made fully functional, pressure on roads will reduce significantly and the transportation of goods will become much easier,” he added.
The minister further said that 16 government agencies under the ministry are working to keep waterways operational across the country.
“There is no alternative to utilising the talent, patience and dedication of officials and employees at all levels to advance the country’s maritime sector,” he said.
Speaking at the event, State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan said that despite extensive precautions last year, two accidents on waterways caused immense sorrow.
“So, ahead of the upcoming Eid, all those involved in water transport services must remain alert and vigilant,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of waterways in riverine Bangladesh, Shipping Secretary Zakaria said 90% of the country’s goods are transported through waterways and efforts are underway to further increase the volume in future.
The secretary said designs of water vessels were previously examined manually, but from now on the process will be conducted digitally.
He also said the number of passengers using waterways has declined significantly compared to the past, adding that public confidence must be restored through strengthened safety measures to increase commuter numbers again.
Director General of the Department of Shipping Commodore Md Shafiul Bari chaired the function.
