DHAKA, June 3, 2024 (BSS) - The Maritime Safety Week-2021 will begin in the country tomorrow with the theme 'Pollution-free rivers and safe water vessels will contribute to building smart Bangladesh'.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion of Maritime Security Week 2024.

In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said rivers and water vessels have been one of the main means of transportation of people and goods in Bangladesh since time immemorial.

As more cost-effective and environment-friendly one than other modes of transportation, the shipping system is playing an important role as the driving force of the country's economy, he said.
 
The President said the government is taking and implementing multifaceted plans to develop the country's water routes.

Initiatives have been taken to increase the navigability of waterways and build modern water vassals with advanced navigation technology, he said.
 
Apart from this, Shahabuddin said, the government has also taken initiatives to bring back the tradition of ports along with the modernisation of existing important river ports.

He said the role and responsibility of water vessel boat owners, sailors and passengers is immense to ensure the safe movement of passengers and goods in the country's river routes, so the owners and workers should be aware to keep navigation safe and pollution free.

"I do believe that the observance of the Maritime Safety Week will play a positive role in ensuring the overall safety of vessels plying throughout the year including Nor'wester (Kal-Baishakhi) and monsoon season," the President said.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is geographically in an important position in the subcontinent in terms of shipping.

The incumbent government is seriously considering joining the international transport network for the development of the country's economy, she said.

To reduce maritime waterway accidents, the prime minister said, various programmes, including strengthening security in river ports, identifying faulty vessels, modernising the training of crew, raising public awareness on maritime safety and taking punitive measures against law violators, have been implemented.
 
As a result, she said, the movement of water vassals and its passengers has become safer.

She hoped that all concerned individuals, institutions and organisations will be more proactive to ensure safe shipping. "With the combined efforts of all, we will be able to build a smart and safe shipping system, Insha Allah," the Prime Minister added.

They wished all the programmes undertaken on the occasion of 'Maritime Safety Week 2024' a success.

The Department of Shipping will hold a discussion at Bangladesh Shishu Academy here marking the week.

The Department of Shipping under the Ministry of Shipping is observing Maritime Safety Week this year like every year to improve the quality of passenger service including making the inland navigation safe and uninterrupted.