Bangladesh launches first nationwide vessel census to build database

Bangladesh has launched its first-ever nationwide census of engine-powered vessels to create an updated database of boats and vessels operating across the country’s maritime, coastal and inland waterways.

The Vessel Census 2026 began on 20 August and is being jointly conducted by the Department of Shipping and Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

The initiative aims to collect updated information on the number, type, ownership and registration status of vessels and use the data to improve maritime safety, waterway management and policymaking.

The preliminary listing operation has already collected information on 244,808 vessels, according to a press release issued by the Department of Shipping.

The nationwide census will run until 29 August.

The data will be compiled into an integrated database that authorities expect to use for vessel registration, waterway management, safety measures, infrastructure planning and future policy decisions.

Database to support owners, workers and fishermen

The census is being implemented under a Department of Shipping project titled Creation of Vessel Database and Enhancement of Capacity for Vessel Management.

State Minister for Shipping Md Rajib Ahsan visited census activities at the fish landing centre near Mahipur Police Station in Kalapara, Patuakhali, today (23 August).

Speaking to vessel owners, workers, fishermen and representatives of local organisations, he urged them to participate in the census and ensure their vessels are included in the database.

He said inclusion in the government database would make it easier for vessel owners and workers to access government assistance and support from development partners.

According to the minister, the database could also help reduce harassment and legal disputes in the maritime sector by providing verified information on vessel ownership and registration.

He said fishermen whose vessels are included in the census would be better positioned to receive government support during fishing bans and other restricted periods.

The database could also help establish vessel ownership, seek compensation, access legal assistance and claim other government benefits, he added.

Easier vessel registration planned

The minister said the census data would also make vessel registration easier by helping owners establish ownership of their boats.

He said the government had taken initiatives to reduce registration fees and simplify the process to make it less costly.

“Vessel owners will be able to register their vessels in their own names more easily using the census information,” he said, according to the press release.

He also assured vessel owners that Department of Shipping officials would assist them in the registration process.

Officials said the database would provide a reliable and comprehensive statistical picture of Bangladesh’s vessel sector, helping authorities improve registration and management while strengthening safety standards.

The information is also expected to support better passenger and cargo transportation and improve discipline on waterways.

Lighthouse, dredging promised for Mahipur

During the visit, local fishermen raised several demands, including better navigation facilities and restoration of navigability in the area.

The state minister assured them that a lighthouse would be installed at the river-sea confluence to help fishermen safely return to shore.

He also promised necessary dredging to restore navigability and facilitate the movement of vessels.

The minister urged authorities to ensure that government incentives allocated to fishermen during fishing bans and other restricted periods reach them on time.

He also assured local stakeholders that steps would be taken to curb illegal trawling vessels.

Following the meeting, the minister boarded a fishing vessel and inspected the river-sea confluence to assess the need for dredging and restoration of navigability.

He also had lunch with local fishermen aboard the fishing boat.

First nationwide vessel database

The Department of Shipping said the census would provide authorities with updated information on vessels that has previously been fragmented across different agencies and records.

Once completed, the database will be used for planning and managing the maritime and inland water transport sectors.

Officials expect it to help strengthen vessel registration, improve safety, streamline waterway management and provide more accurate information for future infrastructure and transport planning.

The census is being conducted jointly by the Department of Shipping and BBS, with officials from both agencies involved in the nationwide operation.

Department of Shipping Director General Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, Chief Engineer and Ship Surveyor Mirza Saifur Rahman, Project Director Commander Saiful Ahmad, Barishal Regional Engineer and Ship Surveyor Md Sirajul Islam, officials of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and others were present during the Mahipur visit.