Govt Plans Private Water Bus Services Around Dhaka

The government has decided to allow private companies to operate water bus services on waterways around Dhaka as part of an initiative to revive the capital's river transport system and ease pressure on road networks.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Cabinet Division's conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to his Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.

The meeting also decided to restore and maintain the navigability of rivers and waterways surrounding Dhaka to improve water-based transportation.

Under the plan, proposals from interested private companies will be reviewed before they are permitted to operate water bus services on selected routes.

The Prime Minister directed relevant authorities to take coordinated measures to reduce pollution in rivers around Dhaka, improve the city's drainage system and ensure smooth water flow by maintaining navigable waterways.

He stressed that reviving river transport must be accompanied by protecting the river ecosystem and improving overall urban management.

Tarique Rahman also instructed authorities to plant various types of trees along riverbank walkways to improve the environment and enhance the beauty of the areas.

The initiative is expected to contribute to better urban mobility by creating an alternative transport option while restoring the role of waterways in Dhaka's transport network.

Road Transport, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan and senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies attended the meeting.