The plan would reopen river routes around Dhaka while linking pollution control, drainage upgrades and riverside greening with wider efforts to improve urban mobility.
Prime Minister of the Bangladesh Tarique Rahman has directed relevant authorities to restore navigability on the waterways surrounding Bangladesh’s capital and prepare a coordinated plan to reduce river pollution, improve drainage systems, and ensure the smooth flow of water.
Dhaka, one of the world’s most densely populated megacities, has historically developed around its rivers and waterways. The restoration of these water routes is being viewed as an important step towards improving urban connectivity, protecting the environment, and strengthening sustainable water management.
The directives came at a high-level meeting on reviving the waterways around Dhaka held at the Cabinet Division’s special meeting room at the Secretariat on Sunday. The meeting was chaired by the prime minister.
Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin said the meeting decided to make the waterways around Dhaka operational again.
He said the government would also consider proposals from interested private companies to allow them to operate water buses on these routes, which could provide an alternative mode of transport for city residents.
During the meeting, the prime minister instructed the concerned authorities to take effective measures to prevent pollution in Dhaka’s rivers, improve drainage infrastructure, maintain river depth, and ensure natural water flow.
He also directed authorities to plant different species of trees alongside walkways built along riverbanks to enhance environmental protection and improve the appearance of riverside areas.
The initiative is expected to support better water management, improve urban mobility, and contribute to environmental protection and greater resilience in Dhaka.
The meeting was attended by Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam; Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam; Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan; Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam; Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, along with senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies.
