‘10,000km waterways to be dredged to strengthened transport system’

The government has taken a plan to dredge some 10,000 kilometres of waterways to strengthen the country's water transport system, said State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday.

The state minister further said, "The government has taken a plan to dredge some 10,000 kilometres waterways to restore their navigability and strengthen the country's traditional water communication system."

Khalid came up with the remarks while inaugurating the dredging work on the Bhogai-Kongso River in Purbadhala upazila of Netrokona district.

"Water transport system is a cost-effective, comfortable and environment-friendly means of communication. But, we're gradually losing the traditional waterways due to navigability problem," he added.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has taken the initiative to dredge 155km of the Bhogai-Kongso River from Netrokona's Mohanganj to Sherpur's Nalitabari to restore navigability by removing silt at a cost of Tk 1.35 billion.

Khalid said a strong and effective water transport system can play an important role in the country's socio-economic development.

He said the waterways are being developed alongside the development of Chattogram, Mongla and Payra ports as part of the government's efforts to turn Bangladesh into a developed country by 2041. "All must get united to develop the country."