‘16,400km waterways lost due to negligence, lack of supervision’

Bangladesh lost 16,400 kilometers of waterways due to negligence and lack of supervision, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury informed the parliament today.

The state minister said that there were 24,000 kilometers of waterways but now it stands 7600 kilometers of 1960, while replying a query of ruling lawmaker Abdul Latif.

Relevant authorities neglect, absence of proper planning and supervision as well as change of nature were some reasons for shrinking of river ways in the country, Khalid Mahmud said.

He said that Awami League government has increased 1600 kilometers river ways by dredging river and water bodies. We have plan to increase another 10000 kilometers waterways by dredging 178 rivers.

The question-answer session was tabled on the onset of day’s proceedings.