The government has assured that all necessary preparations and management are in place to ensure a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free journey for home-bound passengers using waterways during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.
Sheikh Rabiul Alam, MP, Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways, made the announcement as the chief guest during the inauguration of “Maritime Safety Week 2026” on Sunday.
The week-long programme, organised by the Department of Shipping at the Dhaka Ladies Club on Eskaton Garden Road, aims to strengthen maritime security, prevent accidents, and increase public awareness. The theme for this year’s observance is “Safe Maritime Journey, Protection of Life and Property”.
In his address, the minister highlighted that while waterways are a vital part of life and livelihood in riverine Bangladesh, maritime accidents remain a significant challenge. He stressed that overcoming this challenge requires a collective effort from the government, vessel owners, masters, and passengers.
Minister Rabiul Alam further pointed out that the government has already implemented modern technology for marking river routes, ensuring the fitness of vessels, and providing training for vessel masters. Surveillance and law enforcement activities on waterways are also being intensified.
“We want every maritime journey to be safe, and every family to reach their destination securely,” he said.
The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to making the country’s waterways 100% safe and passenger-friendly, urging stakeholders to strictly adhere to regulations, prevent overloading, and ensure the presence of essential safety equipment on every vessel.
He also noted that initiatives such as technology-based monitoring, registration activities, and public awareness campaigns would continue.
Speaking as a special guest, Md Rajib Ahsan, MP, Minister of State for Shipping and the Bridges Division, asserted that maritime accidents could be reduced to zero through increased awareness and responsibility.
In preparation for the upcoming Eid travel, he issued strict instructions to the relevant authorities and the River Police to prevent the operation of any unauthorised or unfit vessels.
Shipping Secretary Zakaria informed the gathering that a significant number of unregistered vessels have been identified through a nationwide vessel census, and efforts are underway to bring them under registration swiftly.
The event was presided over by Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, Director General of the Department of Shipping. In his speech, he explained that a modern, technology-driven maritime safety system is being developed, which includes the introduction of digital number plates, online services, mandatory life jacket use, and the LTMS (Logistics and Transport Management System) software.
He expressed optimism that these measures would bring discipline, transparency, and accountability to the maritime sector.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior officials from the shipping sector, representatives of vessel owners and workers, members of the River Police, and media personnel.
