DHAKA, May 11, 2026 (BSS) — The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has urged the government to accelerate the development of inland waterway infrastructure to reduce the cost of doing business and strengthen the country’s trade logistics network.

The call came today during a courtesy meeting between Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee and DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed at the Bangladesh Secretariat in the city, said a press release.

Speaking at the meeting, Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said the present government remains committed to the sustainable development of inland waterways, which he described as one of the country’s most cost-effective and environmentally friendly transport modes.

The minister said the government has already undertaken several initiatives to improve navigability and strengthen the inland water transport system. 

He also called for greater private sector participation in the nationwide canal excavation programme, expressing hope that successful implementation of the project would create positive impacts on local economic activities through the expansion of a sustainable transport network.

During the meeting, Taskeen Ahmed said that Bangladesh, as a riverine country, has historically relied on inland waterways as one of the most cost-effective means of transporting industrial raw materials and goods. 

However, he noted that the sector’s full potential remains underutilized due to persistent challenges such as river siltation, declining navigability and illegal encroachment on waterways.

He stressed the need for planned dredging operations, riverbank recovery and modern infrastructural development to enable the business community to benefit from efficient and low-cost logistics facilities.

The DCCI president observed that the government’s initiative to excavate 20,000 kilometres of water bodies over the next five years could substantially increase inland water transport, lower business costs, improve irrigation and agricultural productivity, and contribute to overall economic growth.

Highlighting Dhaka’s growing traffic congestion, he said proper management of the nearly 112-kilometre circular waterway connecting the Buriganga River, Turag River, Balu River, Shitalakkhya River and Dhaleshwari River could serve as an effective alternative transport system and help ease traffic pressure in the capital.

Taskeen Ahmed also proposed greater private sector participation under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework for dredging activities and canal excavation projects to improve logistical support and long-term sustainability.

DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman and Acting Secretary General Dr. AKM Asaudzzaman Patwary were also present at the meeting.