DHAKA, May 22, 2026 (BSS) - Following a surprise inspection, State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Md Razib Ahsan recently ordered the stand release of 16 staff of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Barishal Office for unapproved absence and gross negligence of duties.

During the inspections, he collected information related to the matter and noted the attendance situation. It was found that several officers and employees were found absent from their workplaces without prior approval from the competent authority.

In addition, many employees were observed arriving at their offices after the official reporting time.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the matter, the state minister directed the concerned authorities to take immediate administrative action against those responsible for negligence of duty and violation of discipline.

Following his directives, the BIWTA immediately transferred/stand released a total of 16 officials and employees from its Barishal Office.

Among them, nine were from the Dredging Department, two from the River Conservancy and Operations Department, one from the Port and Transport Department and one from the Accounts Department, a PID handout said here today.

Additionally, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) also immediately transferred three other employees of the office as per the directives of the state minister, it added.

Razib Ahsan instructed all employees of the Ministry and its subordinate offices to perform their duties with sincerity, responsibility, and strict adherence to office hours.