Minister of Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Tuesday has directed that all agencies in the water transport sector, including the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), be made people-friendly and profitable.

The minister made the remarks while visiting the BIWTC headquarters at Bangla Motor and attending a discussion session with officials.

Speaking at the meeting, Rabiul Alam said BIWTC is a service-oriented institution, and improving service quality must be given top priority.

He emphasized transforming the corporation into a profitable organization and instructed all officers and staff to maintain discipline, punctuality, and properly perform their duties. He also warned that no irregularities or corruption would be tolerated.

State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan said BIWTC must become more efficient and dynamic to implement government election pledges. He called for addressing management inefficiencies and modernizing ferry operations. He also highlighted the need to expand services to coastal and remote areas while ensuring visible development. Emphasis was placed on improving passenger service during ferry crossings.

Both the minister and state minister provided guidance to transform BIWTC and all related agencies into profitable and public-friendly institutions. Md. Rajib Ahsan further instructed authorities to increase revenue and take necessary preparations to ensure smooth passenger movement on waterways during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. He also stressed prompt coordination with concerned authorities to complete repair works on ferry terminal access roads.

The meeting was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury, NDC, BIWTC Chairman Md. Salim Ullah, and other senior officials of the ministry and BIWTC.