Naval Safety Week 2026 begins with focus on safe waterways

Naval Safety Week 2026 began today (10 May) with a call to strengthen safety measures on waterways and prevent naval accidents across the country.

The week-long programme under the theme “Safe Voyage, Protection of Life and Property” was inaugurated through a ceremony at the Dhaka Ladies Club in Ramna.

Speaking as the chief guest, Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said Bangladesh has around 16,000 kilometres of natural waterways but has not been able to utilise them properly.

He said initiatives are underway to keep 1,200 kilometres of waterways navigable through dredging, while there is potential to make around 4,500 kilometres operational.

State Minister for Shipping Md Rajib Ahsan urged passenger vessel owners to maintain valid documents ahead of the monsoon season and Eid-ul-Adha holidays.

“During the monsoon, rivers remain turbulent, so maximum caution must be exercised,” he said.

He also urged the River Police and Coast Guard to remain vigilant against unauthorised vessels operating on small waterways during Eid travel.

Department of Shipping Director General Commodore Md Shafiul Bari said a nationwide vessel census has been underway since 4 May.

He said only 23,500 vessels are officially registered, while more than 1,08,000 vessels had already been enlisted during the first six days of the census.

“Our target is to register more than 2,00,000 watercraft, from wooden boats to tourist vessels and speedboats,” he said.

Bangladesh Cargo Vessel Owners’ Association President Sayeed Ahmed stressed the need for properly designed vessels, trained staff, accurate weather forecasting, and regular maintenance of waterways to ensure safe navigation.

The programme was attended by representatives of vessel owners’ associations, labour organisations, the River Police, Coast Guard, and other stakeholders in the shipping sector. The observance will continue until 16 May.