Govt working to restore 4,500km of waterways: Shipping Minister Rabiul

Bangladesh is moving to strengthen its vast waterways network as the government ramps up dredging, safety measures and digital reforms to improve river transport and reduce pressure on roads.

Speaking at the inauguration of Maritime Safety Week-2026 in Dhaka on Sunday, Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said 16 government agencies under the ministry are actively working to keep waterways operational and ensure safer journeys for passengers and cargo transport.

Highlighting the country’s river-based transport potential, the minister said Bangladesh has around 16,000 kilometres of natural waterways, though only about 7,500 kilometres are currently operational. He said dredging work is underway to maintain navigability on nearly 1,200 kilometres of waterways, while there is further potential to restore another 4,500 kilometres.

The minister noted that Bangladesh has built nearly 53,000 kilometres of roads over the past five decades, but waterways remain one of the country’s greatest natural advantages. According to him, fully utilising the river network could significantly reduce traffic pressure on roads and make transportation of goods easier and more cost-effective.

Officials at the programme also stressed the importance of improving safety standards ahead of Eid travel.

State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan said all stakeholders connected to water transport services must remain vigilant following two tragic waterway accidents last year despite precautionary measures.

Shipping Secretary Zakaria said waterways currently carry around 90 percent of the country’s goods transportation, making the sector crucial for the national economy. He added that vessel design approvals, which were previously conducted manually, will now be processed digitally as part of modernisation efforts.

The secretary also acknowledged that passenger confidence in water transport has declined over time and said stronger safety measures are necessary to encourage more commuters to return to river routes.

The programme was chaired by Department of Shipping Director General Md Shafiul Bari, and attended by senior officials, including Coast Guard Additional Director General Afzal Hossain and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Organisation President Badiuzzaman Babul.