RANGAMATI, Sept 15 (V7N) — A new chapter is set to begin in the management, safety and regulation of waterways on Kaptai Lake, as the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) moves toward establishing permanent operations in Rangamati after 66 years.
The initiative was taken by Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi. Following her proposal and formal request, the Ministry of Shipping has asked the BIWTA authorities to take necessary steps to establish a permanent office in Rangamati and arrange the required manpower.
In a letter signed by Chhanda Pal, Senior Assistant Secretary of the TA Branch of the Ministry of Shipping, on September 13, the office of the BIWTA chairman was requested to take necessary measures in this regard. The Rangamati district administration has also confirmed the development.
According to the district administration, Kaptai Lake, covering approximately 730 square kilometres, is a major means of inland communication and an important component of the tourism sector in Rangamati. The waterway plays a vital role in maintaining direct or indirect connectivity with eight of the district’s 10 upazilas.
Passenger launches, engine-powered boats, cargo vessels and numerous small boats carrying tourists operate on the lake every day.
Despite the extensive waterway, the absence of a permanent BIWTA office and adequate manpower in the area has long limited effective monitoring of vessel movement, waterway safety, enforcement of navigation regulations and accident prevention.
The issue becomes particularly important during the tourism season, when the number of vessels operating on the lake increases significantly.
Considering these challenges, Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi raised a proposal at the recent Deputy Commissioners’ Conference to establish a permanent BIWTA office and deploy manpower in Rangamati to strengthen management of transportation on Kaptai Lake.
As part of the initiative, she submitted a formal demand letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping on August 24. The memorandum number of the letter is 05.42.8400.000.204.02.0006.2026.555.
The district administration’s proposal also emphasized the installation of navigation markers, beacon lights and other navigational aids along the waterways of Kaptai Lake.
The administration believes that once these measures are implemented, vessel movement on the lake will become safer and more organized, while the risk of accidents will also be reduced.
Following the Deputy Commissioner’s initiative, the Ministry of Shipping sent a letter to the relevant BIWTA authorities on September 13, requesting necessary action.
The ministry’s letter said, in response to a proposal submitted by the Rangamati district administration, necessary steps should be taken to establish a permanent BIWTA office with dedicated manpower in the waterways of Kaptai Lake in Rangamati Hill District to ensure the safety of tourists and members of the public travelling on the lake.
The memorandum number of the ministry’s letter is 18.00.0000.000.019.99.0022.26.308.
Officials of the Rangamati district administration said a long-standing demand for improved management of transportation on Kaptai Lake had moved closer to implementation following Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi’s initiative.
They said the establishment of a permanent office, deployment of manpower and provision of necessary logistical support would make it possible to bring vessels and waterways on Kaptai Lake under an integrated management system.
The move is expected to make boat travel safer for local residents while improving safety and convenience for tourists visiting Kaptai Lake.
The permanent BIWTA operations are also expected to play an important role in maintaining discipline on the waterways, monitoring vessels and preventing accidents.
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