Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday emphasised the need for an integrated and balanced development of the country’s roads, railways, airways and waterways, urging that such progress must not come at the cost of nature, the environment, or rivers.
“Our transport system is in a very fragile state. If we do not bring it under proper order soon, it could become a serious impediment to the economy,” he said at an inter-ministerial meeting on the Central Integrated Multimodal Transport Sector Master Plan of Bangladesh at State Guest House Jamuna.
He stressed the need for implementing the plan without harming the environment. “We cannot damage the rivers. Water must remain calm. We must remember that water is a tremendous resource for us.”
The Roads and Highways Department presented a preliminary strategic plan prepared in coordination with officials from relevant ministries.
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The plan outlines how all transport modes in the country can be integrated and improved through limited upgrades and additions.
The plan shows proper utilisation and slight expansion of the existing rail, road, and waterway networks could bring significant improvements.
Expressing gratitude to the officials for preparing a coordinated plan, the Chief Adviser said the initiative provides a strong preliminary framework and stressed the need for immediate steps for its implementation.
He said the plan should focus on economic growth while giving due attention to regional and global connectivity. “When we consider rivers as transport mode we must remember that rivers are our lifeline.”
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Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud said in some areas constructing a few small roads could bring entire regions under national connectivity, requiring swift planning.
LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud said the ministry has initiated a planners’ wing to make local government projects more structured.
Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Ashik Chowdhury said three new ports will be operational in Chattogram by 2030 and road connectivity from these ports must be ensured quickly and efficiently.
Advisers to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and the Ministry of Railways Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan; Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Sakhawat Hossain, among others, attended the meeting.