Adviser Brigadier General (Rtd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain. File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 31, 2026 (BSS) - Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Rtd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain has laid the foundation stones for four new launch terminals and inaugurated three others in Barishal, Bhola and Noakhali.

The initiatives are being implemented by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) under the World Bank-financed Bangladesh Regional Inland Water Transport Project-1 (RIP-1).

Joining the programmes virtually as the chief guest on Friday, Dr Sakhawat laid the foundation stones for the Hizla Launch Terminal in Hizla Upazila of Barishal, Laharhat Launch Terminal in Barishal Sadar Upazila, Ilisha Launch Terminal in Bhola district, and Ramnewaz Launch Terminal-2 in Monpura Upazila.

He also inaugurated the Maulvirhat Launch Terminal in Barishal district, along with the Nalchara and Chairman Ghat ferry terminals in Hatiya Upazila of Noakhali district.

Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Dr Nurunnahar Chowdhury attended the event as a special guest, while BIWTA Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa and other senior officials were also present.

In his address, the Adviser said uninterrupted, safe and sustainable water transport connectivity is crucial for improving the quality of life of people living in coastal and remote regions. He noted that the implementation of the RIP-1 project would make transportation in these areas easier, safer and more time-efficient. 

Ensuring navigability of waterways and introducing modern management systems, he added, would significantly contribute to the country's overall economic development.

On the same day, Dr Sakhawat also virtually inaugurated the construction of a submarine cable project to connect the Dhalchar, Kazirchar and Kalatali Char areas of Monpura Upazila in Bhola district to the national power grid.

Expressing gratitude to the Chairman of the Rural Electrification Board (REB) and all officials and employees involved, he said the completion of the submarine cable project would ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in the remote char areas of Monpura, creating new opportunities in education, healthcare, communication and economic activities.