News Flash
DHAKA, July 1, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Shipping Md. Razib Ahsan today directed the authorities concerned to improve passenger services on the country's waterways by ensuring proper maintenance of ferry terminal infrastructure, strengthening security and enhancing overall service standards.
During an inspection of the Aricha-Daulatdia ferry terminal, one of the country's busiest river crossings, this afternoon, he instructed officials to install CCTV cameras promptly to ensure round-the-clock surveillance, further strengthen security arrangements and improve passenger services.
The state minister inspected ferry operations, vehicle and passenger management, overall terminal infrastructure, security measures and ongoing development activities.
He also exchanged views with officials and employees concerned and directed them to strengthen preparedness and coordination to ensure smooth movement of passengers and vehicles during Eid and other festive seasons as well as normal times.
"The Aricha-Daulatdia water route is extremely important for passenger movement and goods transportation to and from the country's southwestern region. Therefore, the government is attaching the highest priority to ensuring safe, uninterrupted and quality services on this route," he said.
During the visit, Rajib reviewed the ongoing ferry modernisation programme, security arrangements at the terminal and initiatives taken to improve passenger services.
Referring to a report carried by a local media outlet alleging the use of bamboo instead of steel rods at the Aricha ferry terminal, the state minister personally inspected the matter on the spot.
Officials concerned informed him that the approach road at the ferry terminal is a temporary structure and that its engineering design includes the use of bamboo. They said the temporary road is replaced every two to three months under an established practice that has been in use since 1963.
The state minister said the government treats all allegations published in the media with due importance and conducts immediate inspections whenever necessary.
He instructed the authorities concerned to ensure quality, transparency and accountability in all construction works and to discharge their responsibilities with the highest level of vigilance.
Razib also warned that no negligence or irregularities would be tolerated in improving passenger services, ensuring safe navigation or implementing government development projects.
He said the government remains committed to building an efficient, modern, safe and transparent water transport system in line with public expectations.
At the end of the inspection, the state minister directed all relevant agencies to work in close coordination and take effective measures to make passenger services more efficient, safer, modern and people-friendly.
Officials of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) and other relevant organisations were present during the visit.
