DHAKA, April 7, 2021 (BSS)- Seven-day long River Safety Week 2021 was inaugurated today with the motto of “Oath of Mujib Year, safe route waterway”.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal inaugurated the River Safety Week-2021′ in a virtual presence as the chief guest.
State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury attended the function at the meeting room of the Shipping Ministry.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Shipping Ministry Major (Retd) Rafiqul Islam Bir Uttam), Secretary of the Shipping Ministry Mesbah Uddin Chowdhury, Chairman of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Syed Mohammad Tajul Islam, Chairman of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Commodore Golam Sadeq, Bangladesh Inland Navigation (Passenger Transport) Organization President Mahbub Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram and General Secretary of Bangladesh Shipping Workers Federation Ashikul Alam spoke at the function virtually while Director General of the Department of Shipping Commodore AZM Jalal Uddin was in chair.
Department of Shipping under the Ministry of Shipping is celebrating River Safety Week this year as it does every year with the aim of improving the quality of passenger service including making the inland navigation safe and uninterrupted.
Owners of the naval sector, representatives of trade unions and other guests took part in the virtual event, said a press release of the ministry.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that the waterways are more economical and environment-friendly than other modes of transportation. The main responsibility of the Department of Shipping is to build accident free rivers, he added.
He said that naval accidents are decreasing because of the design of the boat. Due to realistic steps taken by the government, the shipping industry is moving forward at a rapid pace, he said.
State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud said that despite the limitations, the waterways are now much safer and friendly than before. Accidents involving passenger boats have been greatly reduced due to the concerted efforts of all, especially the co-operation of boat owners and workers, steps taken by BIWTA, Department of Shipping, Naval Police and Coast Guard officials and increased public awareness and co-operation.