Shipping Adviser retired brigadier general Dr M Sakhawat Hussain today inaugurated a dredging Institute, first of its kind, at Shimulia of Munshiganj today. Photo: BSS

MUNSHIGANJ, June 19, 2025 (BSS) – The country today witnessed the formal launching of an institute, first of its kind, for dredging with a primary goal to train workers to maintain navigability rivers in the deltaic terrain.
   
Shipping Adviser retired brigadier general Dr M Sakhawat Hussain inaugurated the Institute as an academy under Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) at Shimulia of Munshiganj on the outskirts of the capital.
   
“This is a much required institute as different government and non-government agencies need to carryon dredging round the year,” he said.
   
The adviser expected the institute to create skilled workforce to be employed in Bangladesh and abroad.
   
BIWTA, Water Development Board and various government organisations and private institutions dredge the rivers while Hussain said the first ever academy to train workers for the particular task would cater the skilled manpower.
   
Hussain expressed his hope that the institution would be elevated to the international standards with efforts of all.
   
The institute introduced 28 courses for different periods and training while it offer training on dredger building as well.
   
Hussain said an emergency ferry terminal was needed to be developed at Shimulia alongside maintenance of existing Shimulia river port.
   
He proposed an eco-park to be developed at the scene to promote tourism.
   
BIWTA Chairman Commodore Arif Ahmed Mustafa and district administration and police officers were present alongside the BIWTA officials at the opening of the institute.