Bangladesh: Government Takes Steps to Dredge Rivers, Prime Minister Says

As The Daily Star reports, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday called upon the owners of launches and ships, port and ghat authorities and the passengers to remain vigilant about excess passengers on board as a means to avert accidents.

The Prime Minister also presented various government steps for maintaining the navigability of river ways and channels, modernizing river ways, constructing new river ports and jetties, and developing the connecting roads.

“The government has developed the Chittagong and Mongla ports, and all river ports and launch ghats in the country,” stated Prime Minister.

Hasina mentioned that her government has also taken steps to dredge the rivers through procuring 19 dredgers at government and private initiatives.

“On the other hand, we’ve also taken steps to realize the just share of the country in international rivers and with strong hand also stopped encroachment of rivers,” she said.

The Premier said law has been enacted so that no one can harm the rivers and water bodies by filling those up. The rivers in and around capital Dhaka should also be protected, she concluded.

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Dredging Today Staff, March 21, 2012; Image: ANISUR RAHMAN KHAN