The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has urged the government to expedite the enhancement of inland waterway infrastructure to lower business costs and enhance trade logistics throughout the country. This appeal was made during a meeting between DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed and Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka, as per a press release.
Ahmed highlighted that Bangladesh, being a riverine nation, traditionally depends on inland waterways as a cost-efficient means of transporting industrial materials and goods. However, the sector’s complete potential remains underutilized due to obstacles like siltation and unauthorized occupation of rivers.
He emphasized the necessity for organized dredging, riverbank restoration, and essential infrastructural improvements to ensure effective and economical logistics services for businesses. Ahmed also praised the government’s initiative to dredge 20,000 kilometers of water bodies over the next five years, which is expected to significantly enhance inland water transport, reduce business expenses, and bolster irrigation, agricultural output, and overall economic advancement.
Moreover, he suggested utilizing the waterways encircling the capital by managing a circular route of approximately 112 kilometers connecting the Buriganga, Turag, Balu, Shitalakkhya, and Dhaleshwari rivers. This approach could establish an alternative transportation network and alleviate traffic congestion in Dhaka.
Proposing increased private sector engagement through public-private partnerships (PPPs) in dredging operations and canal excavation activities, Ahmed aimed to enhance the efficiency of these endeavors.
In response, the water resources minister affirmed the government’s dedication to the sustainable development of inland waterways. He noted that various initiatives had already been launched and encouraged private sector involvement in the nationwide canal excavation project.
