ZCZC
BSS-12
SHIPPING-TRANSPORT
Process is underway to procure 17 dredgers
DHAKA, Jan 14, 2019 (BSS) -Process is underway to procure 17 dredgers to improve navigability on waterways side by side building and launching 45 water vessels across the country, officials of the ministry familiar with the process said here today.
“The government has already procured 14 dredgers to keep up navigability on waterways and built and introduced 45 vessels for ferrying passengers aimed at improving communications in the waterways,” an official of the shipping ministry told BSS here today.
He said the government added two passenger ships and four sea trucks in the national water transport fleet, adding, “The government also established four inland river ports alongside modernization of Dhaka and Barishal river ports.”
According to the shipping ministry details, the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also provided landing facility at Kanchpur, Swandip and Kumira, while Mongla Port has already become a profitable seaport, which was almost inactive.
The government’s goal is to modernize sea ports, river ports and land ports, conservation of navigability of waterways, creation of efficient workforce in the maritime sector, safe and affordable transportation of passengers and goods and facilitation of international trade, it said.
Besides, the country’s economic activities have already been increased due to realistic steps taken by the government with the establishment of Payra seaport at Patuakhali, it added. BSS/SPL/SAS/QC/1713 hrs