‘Government working to excavate 10,000 kilometers of waterways’

The Awami League government has been working to excavate 10,000 kilometers of waterways as part of its election manifesto, said Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, the State Minister for Shipping.

The State Minister was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on "Things to do for the development of rivers, waterways and tourism," organized by the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF) at the National Press Club on Sunday, according to a press release.    

The rivers have lost their course due to the irregular flow and we are working to rescue the waterways under the direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury. 

He feared that improper river management would put the country at risk. "Modern dredgers, including hopper dredgers, will be procured for river dredging," he added. 

The State Minister also mentioned that large-scale dredging was being done throughout the year to maintain the navigability of the waterways.

He went on to say, "Despite the propagation of multiple conspiracies in the country, Bangladesh is moving forward thanks to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's political wisdom and efficient decision-making. The premier has made 160 million people bolder and braver. Sheikh Hasina is a dreamer, but she is also implementing those dreams. Bangladesh will move forward under her leadership," it read.

The event was chaired by the Forum President, Ashish Kumar Deb, while Chairman, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Commodore Golam Sadek; former Director General of River Research Institute, engineer Lutfor Rahman; researcher, Aminur Rosul Babu, participated in the event among others. 

SCRF's General Secretary, Mohsinul Karim hosted the seminar, while former President, SCRF, Anisur Rahman Khan presented the keynote address.