Restore Dhaka's waterways, curb pollution: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities concerned to restore the waterways surrounding the capital to improve water-based transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable urban mobility. 

The directives were given on Sunday at a high-level meeting on reviving Dhaka's surrounding waterways, held at the Cabinet Division's Special Conference Room at the Secretariat. The Prime Minister chaired meeting.

While briefing, Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin said the meeting decided to make the waterways around Dhaka operational once again as part of a broader initiative to enhance the city's transport network.
 
The meeting also decided to consider proposals from interested private companies to operate water buses on the revived routes, paving the way for greater private-sector participation in water-based public transport.

In addition to restoring navigation, the Prime Minister instructed the relevant authorities to take coordinated measures to prevent pollution in the rivers encircling Dhaka, improve the capital's drainage system, and maintain navigability to ensure uninterrupted water flow.

Emphasising environmental sustainability, Tarique Rahman also directed authorities to plant a variety of trees alongside walkways constructed on riverbanks to strengthen environmental protection and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the riverfronts.

The Prime Minister stressed that protecting the rivers and restoring their natural flow are essential not only for improving urban transport but also for reducing waterlogging, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a healthier environment for city residents.

Among others, Minister for Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Shaikh Robiul Alam, State Minister for Environment and Forest Sheikh Faridul Islam, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Abdus Salam, Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, and senior officials from the relevant ministries and agencies attended the meeting.

The initiative is expected to revive Dhaka's historic river transport system while supporting integrated urban planning, environmental conservation, and improved public transportation across the capital.