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SHIPPING SECTOR-DEVELOPMENT
1,900-km of waterways restored in last 10 yrs
DHAKA, July 30, 2019 (BSS) – Former Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan today said the government restored at least 1,900-kilometers of waterways in the last one decade across the country.
The shipping ministry under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken up several projects to develop the waterways across the country,” he said while addressing at a seminar on ‘one decade’s development in shipping sector’ at the Jatiya Press Club (JPC).
Shajahan categorically said that lots of development was done in the shipping sector including river dredging at Chattogram, Mongla and Payra seaports.
He, also chairman of parliamentary standing committee on liberation war affairs said the government has taken initiatives to construct river ports at Chilmari, seven light houses, ferry routes at Balashi and Bahadurabad.
“It is not possible to implement development works without workers, Khan, also a transport worker’s leader said, adding, “I know the nerve of the workers. The government has already introduced worker’s friendly salary structures and other facilities. Now, there are no labour movements even in the garment and transport sectors across the country.”
Accusing BNP for destroying rivers and shipping sector, the former shipping minister said that country was not safe under the evil quarters.
They destroyed rivers of the country and shipping sector after killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he added.
“None of the governments except the present ruling party has taken up projects to restore country’s waterways. Once there were about 25,000km waterways in the country-not it stands only 5,000-6,000kms,” the ex-minister said.
He said at least 1500km of waterways were restored through dredging during his tenure, which now stood 1,900kms, adding, “Several landing stations and 32 river ports has been constructed in the country.” Besides, Bay-terminal, Patenga and Newmooring terminals are also being developed to reduce container congestion at Chattogram sea port, Shajahan said.
He, however, said that adequate numbers of development projects in maritime sector has been implemented in last ten years and more projects are on the way for implementation.
Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF), a journalist platform organised the seminar titled ‘One decade’s development in Shipping’.
Chaired by SCRF president Ashis Kumar Dey, the function was addressed, among others, by JPC president Saiful Alam, Professor Dr Mir Tareque Ali, head of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Department of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), NCPSRR president Haji Mohamed Shahid Miah, SCRF’s ex-president Anisur Rahman Khan, DRU’s ex-general secretary Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo and SCRF general secretary Rafiqul Islam Sabuj.
Saiful Alam said that there was a ‘Q and U’ relation between rivers, shipping and the people of Bangladesh. “So we shall have to protect our water resources, including water transport system,” he added.
Dr Mir Tareque Ali said present government emphasis on maritime sector’s development is a good sign.
“The development projects should be implemented without disturbing the environment. Besides, for the vessel operators , training is must to use of modern technology,” the BUET professor said.
He urged the government to be more attentive in both inland and sea going shipping for the flourishing of the country.
BSS/ASG/SAS/SMM/1935 hrs