News Flash
SANGSAD BHABAN, April 22, 2026 (BSS) - Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today said the government is carrying out extensive dredging activities across the country to enhance river navigability and keep waterways operational.
Replying to a starred tabled question placed by independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2) in the Jatiya Sangsad today, the minister said the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is maintaining navigability of waterways nationwide through maintenance dredging.
“At the same time, several development projects are being implemented to develop new routes and restore old ones,” he said.
The Minister informed the House that the overall physical progress of the “Development and Restoration of Navigability of the Old Brahmaputra, Dharla, Tulai and Punarbhaba Rivers (1st Revised)” project stands at 45.98 percent.
The project for improving and restoring navigability of various rivers in Mithamain, Itna and Austagram areas (1st Revised) has reached 88 percent progress.
Rabiul said the “Development of Waterway from Mongla Port to Chandpur to Goalanda via Rooppur (1st Revised)” project has achieved 85.01 percent progress.
Meanwhile, the project on restoring flow, developing waterways and flood management of the Jinai, Ghaghat, Bangshi and Nagda rivers has recorded 5.10 percent progress, he added.
The Minister further said several important projects have been proposed for future waterway development.
The Development Project Proposal (DPP) for improving water communication from Chattogram–Hatia–Chairman Ghat to Bhasan Char was sent to the Planning Commission on July 21, 2025 for approval.
Another DPP for improving navigability of the Meghna (Upper) River from Raypara to Bhater Char adjacent to the Cumilla Economic Zone was submitted on March 12, 2026.
The minister added that a letter was sent to the Finance Division on April 6, 2026 seeking funding approval for an integrated project aimed at increasing navigability in the greater Sylhet region through capital dredging, improving drainage systems, and enhancing tourism, wetland ecosystems, irrigation and landing facilities.
He expressed hope that implementation of these initiatives would improve river navigability, expand waterways, strengthen flood management and boost economic activities.
