Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) and head of River Police Kusum Dewan spoke at a high-level view-exchange meeting held at the River Police Headquarters in Dhaka today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, March 4, 2026 (BSS) - Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) and head of River Police Kusum Dewan has intensified preparations to ensure safe and smooth waterway travel for homebound passengers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. 

He made the remarks at a high-level view-exchange meeting held at the River Police Headquarters in Dhaka today.

The meeting, chaired by the Additional IGP, focused on 'Safety of waterways and proper management of navigation on the occasion of the Holy Ramadan and the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr-2026.'

Speakers at the meeting praised the ongoing efforts of the River Police and recommended further strengthening the unit through additional manpower and logistical support.

Addressing the gathering, Additional IGP Kusum Dewan emphasized that the Naval Police are working tirelessly to make the Eid journey safe for people traveling via waterways. 

He urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant to prevent criminals from boarding vessels disguised as passengers. 

Dewan also instructed regional police superintendents to ensure that fishing nets or other obstructions do not disrupt navigation in river channels.

He expressed optimism that enhanced patrol operations and coordinated efforts would enable passengers to travel smoothly and safely during the festive rush. 

Senior officials and representatives from key government and private maritime organizations attended the session both in person and virtually.

During the meeting, River Police authorities outlined measures aimed at preventing waterway accidents, curbing environmental pollution, and maintaining law and order. 

Special emphasis was placed on preventing ticket black marketing, overcharging of fares, extortion, and robbery during the peak Eid travel period.

Representatives from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), Bangladesh Inland Water Passenger Carriers Association (BIWPCA), Bangladesh Inland Waterway Transport (JAP) Organization, Launch Owners Association Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nauyan Sramik Federation, Bangladesh Bulkhead Owners Association, Bangladesh Cargo Vessel Owners Association, Bangladesh Launch Lighter Association, Fire Service and Civil Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Department of Shipping were among those present.

Officials discussed strategies to strengthen navigational patrols, deploy adequate manpower, and enhance coordination among agencies to ensure passenger safety. 

Senior Naval Police officials, including DIG (Admin and Finance), DIG (Crime and Operations), Additional DIGs, Additional DIG (Operations) Dhaka Range, Superintendents of River Police from 11 regions, and representatives from Dhaka Metropolitan Police Headquarters, attended the meeting physically and virtually.