Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain on Monday issued a stark warning, stressing the immediate necessity to rid the country’s rivers of pollution and illegal encroachment. “Bangladesh is a riverine country where people directly or indirectly rely on rivers. But in the name of development, rivers, canals, and wetlands have been encroached upon and polluted. To save our rivers, we must tackle these issues immediately,” he said while addressing a seminar at the Water Development Board in the capital. The Ministry of Water Resources hosted the event with a focus on determining the number of rivers in Bangladesh. Dr Hossain called for a coordinated approach among relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to protect rivers. He highlighted the urgent need to clean up the Buriganga River during this winter season. “The Ministry of Shipping will provide the necessary manpower and equipment for this initiative. All illegal structures along riverbanks must be demolished. Local administrations must play a more active role in protecting rivers, canals, and wetlands from pollution and encroachment,” he stressed. Master plan for Matarbari deep-sea port being revised to meet global standards: Shipping Adviser He said that the recurring issue of re-encroachment after eviction drives and pointed out the critical need to curb illegal sand extraction from rivers. The adviser also urged authorities to ensure proper maintenance of urban drainage systems, many of which have been blocked or rendered ineffective. Discussing the loss of navigability in major rivers, including the Buriganga, Dr Hossain advocated for planned dredging. “Restoring the navigability of our rivers through dredging is a pressing necessity. Without this, our rivers will lose their historical and economic significance,” he added. He lamented the pollution and encroachment of northern rivers and criticised the filling of canals to construct drains. He also called for a clear distinction between rivers and canals to better protect and manage water bodies. The seminar, chaired by Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources Nazmul Ahsan, was addressed by Advisor to the Ministry of Environment Syeda Rizwana Hasan. The participants included senior officials from the Water Development Board, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners, with many joining it virtually.

The master plan for Matarbari, Bangladesh’s first deep-sea port, is being restructured to address evolving regional and global dynamics, Brigadier General (retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, said today. He shared this information after a meeting with the Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Iwama Kiminori, at the Ministry of Shipping. The adviser explained that the revised master plan aims to ensure the deep-sea port’s comprehensive security and operational readiness, adapting to the changing global trade environment. The updated strategy also includes plans to construct an international-standard dockyard at the site, further enhancing the port’s logistical and operational capabilities. He added that after completing the first phase of construction, a dedicated authority will be formed to oversee the port’s activities and streamline its management. Highlighting its strategic importance, the adviser expressed optimism that the port’s operations could commence by 2030, significantly boosting Bangladesh’s connectivity and trade prospects. Matarbari Power Plant not getting payment against power supply to national grid Dr. Sakhawat also informed that the government is working on a National Port Strategy to improve coordination and efficiency across the country’s ports. He sought JICA’s continued technical support for the development and implementation of these plans. Ambassador Iwama said that Japan is committed to supporting the Matarbari Deep-Sea Port project through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He expressed confidence that the project would be completed on schedule with collective efforts. Additionally, Dr. Sakhawat briefed the ambassador on the formation of a high-level committee to evaluate environmental standards in Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry. The committee will conduct field inspections and submit recommendations to the government. He also requested Japan’s professional and technical support for the development of marine academies in Bangladesh. The ambassador also expressed interest in collaborating on Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry. Senior officials from the Japanese Embassy and the Ministry of Shipping were present during the meeting.