Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain briefed Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus about the initiative at the State Guest House Jamuna this afternoon. Photo: CA's Press Wing

DHAKA, Nov 12, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed his delight over the decision to repair and re-launch the century-old BIWTC paddle steamer PS Mahsud as a pleasure cruise.

"Our heritage must not be lost," the Chief Adviser said when Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain briefed him about the initiative at the State Guest House Jamuna here this afternoon.

Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Shipping Secretary Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Chairman Md Salim Ullah were present at the meeting, said a press release of the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.

On the occasion, Professor Yunus said, "Bangladesh's diverse boat designs are famous around the world. Yet, many of our younger generation do not know about them. We cannot allow this heritage to be lost. Measures must be taken to preserve all old vessels including paddle steamers."

BIWTC officials expressed optimism that once the paddle steamer is re-launched, it will be a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists. 

The pleasure cruise will offer traditional Bangladeshi cuisine, live Bangla music, and other cultural experiences, they said, adding, the cruise will operate seven days a week, offering both five-hour long journeys and shorter two- to three-hour trips for visitors.

Welcoming the initiative, the Chief Adviser said, "These traditional paddle steamers should display their history so that the passengers can learn about when the steamer was built, what was the fare at that time, and the stories behind it. This historical narrative must be beautifully presented."

Noting that PS Mahsud is not just a vessel but a living symbol of Bangladesh's riverine culture and heritage, Sakhawat Hussain said, "We want the younger generation to witness firsthand that once rivers were the lifeline of our communication and culture."

He informed that along with PS Mahsud, plans are underway to repair other old steamers, including PS Ostrich and PS Lepcha. 

Sakhawat said that the government is considering launching a similar pleasure steamer service on the Kaptai Lake in Chattogram.

According to BIWTC officials, special educational cruises may be arranged for school and college students on special days so that the young people can experience and learn about Bangladesh's invaluable heritage.