Vessel census to begin soon to build national watercraft database

KHULNA, Aug 3: Bangladesh will conduct its first-ever nationwide boat census from August 20 to 29 to create a comprehensive database of all engine-powered vessels operating in the country's maritime, coastal and inland waterways.

The census will be jointly conducted by the Department of Shipping and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) under the slogan: "Successful Boat Census, Prosperous Bangladesh."

According to officials, a nationwide listing operation has identified 2,44,808 engine-powered vessels, including 1,74,047 ghat-based and 70,761 household-based vessels.

In Khulna Division alone, 10,327 vessels have been listed, comprising 7,414 ghat-based and 2,913 household-based vessels.

The information was disclosed at a divisional stakeholders' awareness seminar on the boat census held in the conference room of the Khulna Divisional Commissioner on Monday.

Officials said the census aims to develop an integrated database to improve water transport safety, reduce accidents, enhance the livelihoods of people employed in the sector, and support the overall development and planning of the country's water transport system.

The census will cover all engine-powered vessels operating in Bangladesh's maritime, coastal and inland waters, as well as dumb barges and other non-engine-powered vessels that are towed or pushed by other mechanised vessels.

However, vessels owned and operated by the armed forces, including those temporarily deployed with other agencies, will remain outside the scope of the census.

Speaking as the chief guest, Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdullah Harun said all national censuses are important for the country, as reliable statistics play a vital role in formulating and implementing development plans.

He urged cooperation from the media and all stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the country's first boat census.

The seminar was chaired by Khulna Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Abu Sayeed Md. Manjur Alam. Additional Range DIG Tofayel Ahmed and Superintendent of Police (Naval Region) Muhammad Manjur Morshed attended it as special guests.

A keynote paper on the census was presented by Joint Director of the Khulna Divisional Statistics Office Md. Abdul Alim.