JATIYA SANGSAD, APR 2, V7N– Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced in Parliament today that the government is carrying out widespread dredging operations nationwide to improve river navigability and keep waterways functional.

Responding to a starred question from independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2), the Minister stated that BIWTA is conducting maintenance dredging to preserve waterway navigability. Concurrently, several development projects are underway to create new routes and restore old ones.

He provided specific progress updates: the "Old Brahmaputra, Dharla, Tulai and Punarbhaba Rivers" project is at 45.98% completion; the Mithamain, Itna and Austagram rivers project has reached 88%; the Mongla-Chandpur-Goalanda via Rooppur waterway project stands at 85.01%; and the Jinai, Ghaghat, Bangshi and Nagda rivers project is at 5.10%.

The Minister also outlined proposed future projects. A DPP for water communication from Chattogram–Hatia–Chairman Ghat to Bhasan Char was sent to the Planning Commission on July 21, 2025. Another DPP for improving navigability of the Upper Meghna River near the Cumilla Economic Zone was submitted on March 12, 2026.

Additionally, a funding request was sent to the Finance Division on April 6, 2026, for an integrated project covering capital dredging, drainage improvement, tourism, wetlands, irrigation, and landing facilities in the greater Sylhet region.

Minister Rabiul Alam expressed hope that these initiatives will enhance river navigability, expand waterways, strengthen flood management, and boost economic activity.

END/AJ/RH