Photo : BSS

RANGPUR, July 23, 2026 (BSS) - A divisional level orientation seminar on 'Shipping Census 2026' was held at the conference room of the Divisional Commissioner's office in the city on Thursday afternoon.
 
The Department of Shipping and Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) jointly organised the seminar for the divisional level stakeholders to successfully implement the countrywide 'Shipping Census, 2026'. 
 
The main data collection activity of the 'Shipping Census 2026' will be conducted nationwide from August 20 to 29, 2026. 
 
Prior to this, a pilot census activity will be conducted in two districts from August 3 to August 4 next.
 
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam attended the seminar as the chief guest.
 
Divisional Director of Local Government Division Md Abu Jafar was present as the special guest at the seminar which was presided over Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md Abdul Motaleb Sarkar. 
 
Joint Director of Rangpur Divisional Statistics Office Md Shafiqul Islam delivered the welcome speech and highlighted the objectives, methodology and implementation plan of the census. 
 
In his speech, the chief guest said that the 'Shipping Census, 2026' is being conducted with the aim of preparing a comprehensive and updated database of engine-powered vessels plying on the country's sea-going, coastal and inland waterways. 
 
Through this census, it will be possible to collect the actual number, type, ownership and other important information of vessels, which will play an important role in ensuring safe navigation in future, formulating effective plans, policymaking and implementing development activities in the maritime sector. 
 
“The shipping census information will be helpful in ensuring the safety of people's lives and property on waterways, developing the vessel registration system and establishing discipline in navigation,” he said. 
 
He called upon the district administration, law enforcement agencies and all concerned departments to work together to successfully implement the census. 
 
At the same time, he instructed the Deputy Commissioners to properly fulfil their overall coordination responsibilities. 
 
The Deputy Commissioners from eight districts of Rangpur division, district-level statistical officers, senior officials of law enforcement agencies, representatives of relevant government departments and media personnel participated in the seminar.