Govt to dredge 10,000km waterways: Khalid

The government has taken a plan to dredge some 10,000 kilometres of waterways to strengthen the country's water transport system, said state minister for shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday.

"Water transport system is a cost-effective, comfortable and environment-friendly means of communication. But, we're gradually losing the traditional waterways due to navigability problem," he said.

The state minister further said, "The government has taken a plan to dredge some 10,000 kilometers waterways to restore their navigability and strengthen the country's traditional water commination system."

Khalid came up with the remarks while inaugurating the dredging work on the Bhogai-Kongso River in Purbadhala upazila of Netrokona district.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has taken the initiative to dredge 155km of the Bhogai-Kongso River from Netrokona's Mohanganj to Sherpur's Nalitabari to restore navigability by removing silt at a cost of Tk 1.34 billion.

Khalid said a strong and effective water transport system can play an important role in the country's socio-economic development.

He said the waterways are being developed alongside the development of Chattogram, Mongla and Payra ports as part of the government's efforts to turn Bangladesh into a developed country by 2041. "All must get united to develop the country."