Bangladesh moves to restore river transport around Dhaka

Bangladesh plans to allow private companies to operate water buses as part of an effort to restore waterways around Dhaka and ease transportation problems in the capital, officials said Sunday.

Prime minister Tarique Rahman chaired a meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat where officials decided to evaluate proposals from companies interested in operating services on designated water routes.

Rahman directed authorities to restore and maintain the navigability of waterways surrounding Dhaka, curb river pollution and ensure normal water flow. He also called for improvements to the capital’s drainage system.

Officials said environmental protection and urban management should be incorporated into the restoration project. Rahman instructed authorities to plant different species of trees along riverside walkways to improve the environment and appearance of the riverbanks.

Government ministers, Dhaka’s two mayors and senior officials attended the meeting.