The government plans to bring all water vessels in the country under a digital registration system to ensure safer, more organised, and modern inland water transport, State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan said on Sunday.
Speaking at a meeting held at the Department of Shipping headquarters in the capital’s Agargaon, the state minister said a comprehensive policy would also be formulated to ensure proper registration, operation, and discipline in river transport.
The meeting focused on resolving fuel supply issues for lighter vessels engaged in cargo transportation.
The state minister said there is currently no fuel shortage affecting passenger or cargo vessels, and river transport operations are running normally.
However, he noted that the government is taking precautionary steps to address any potential future fuel crisis.
As part of these measures, a coordination cell will be formed to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply to vessels, and meetings will be held with fuel suppliers to strengthen coordination.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining safe and smooth navigation, he urged all vessel operators to comply with existing laws. He also called for restraint and efficient use of fuel in light of the global energy situation, warning that illegal stockpiling or wastage would not be tolerated.
The meeting was attended by Shipping Ministry Secretary Nurunnahar Chowdhury, Chairman of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa, Director General of the Department of Shipping Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, along with other senior officials and representatives from relevant organisations.
