DHAKA, May 9, 2026 (BSS) – Maritime Safety Week 2026 will begin across the country tomorrow with the theme “Safe Water Travel, Protection of Life and Property.”

Likewise previous years, various programmes have been chalked out to mark the week with the aim of preventing accidents on waterways and ensuring the safety of passengers’ lives and property, according to an official release.

The main objective of observing this programme is to raise awareness among vessel owners, operators, and general passengers about maritime safety regulations. 

In addition, all vessels operating on waterways—including launches, engine-powered boats, and trawlers—are encouraged to follow weather advisories and safety guidelines.

Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam will formally inaugurate the weeklong programme at the Ladies Club on Eskaton Garden Road in the capital tomorrow.  

During the weeklong campaign, awareness raising activities will be conducted at various ports, launch terminals, and important waterways across the country. 

These include discussion meetings, processions, leaflet distribution, providing safety instructions to passengers, operations against overloading, and encouraging the use of life jackets.

Officials of the Department of Shipping said strengthening safety measures in vessels ahead of the monsoon season is extremely important. 

In particular, instructions have been issued to concerned parties to stop the operation of unfit vessels, appoint skilled operators, ensure compliance with passenger capacity limits, and provide necessary emergency rescue equipment.