Govt committed to safe waterways, pollution-free rivers: Khalid

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury affirmed the government’s dedication to creating safe waterways and pollution-free rivers during the inauguration of Maritime Safety Week 2024. This event is organized by the Ministry of Shipping to promote awareness and ensure accident-free navigation on Tuesday. 

The theme for this year is “Pollution-Free Rivers and Safe Vessels Contribute to Building a Smart Bangladesh.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Bangladesh Shishu Academy Auditorium in Dhaka on Tuesday, the minister emphasized the importance of patriotism in progress. He remarked, “Without patriotism and working for the country, advancement is impossible. After the 15th of August in 1975, everything began to deteriorate. Bangabandhu provided statehood and governance to a province (independent Bangladesh). 

He transformed a poverty-stricken nation into a least-developed country with a 9% GDP growth. Attempts were made to halt this progress.”

Reflecting on the tragic assassination of Bangabandhu, Chowdhury lamented, “What did we get after that? The post-75 governments dismantled the state structure to seize power and turned the nation into one of beggars. Rivers like Buriganga and others were polluted. The people did not experience the joy of independence because Bangladesh was handed over to criminals. No government or head of state spoke about the rivers after 1975.”

Highlighting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s strong leadership in developing Bangladesh‍‍`s rivers and waterways, he said, “In 1999, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the need to maintain river navigability and reduce pollution. In 2019, we took steps to clear illegal encroachments on riverbanks but were hindered by COVID-19. We are working on eliminating man-made waste and industrial pollution. The country is producing international standard ships.”

Chowdhury added, “Recently, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) visited Bangladesh and was impressed. He saw a bright future for Bangladesh—this is a significant achievement.”

He also pointed out the ministry’s successes in securing safe waterways, stating, “Clearing river encroachments in 2019 posed many challenges. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave us the courage to succeed. She cares about rivers and ensures their flow. If rivers dry up, Bangladesh’s lifeline stops. This has been possible because of the Prime Minister’s patriotism.”

Discussing dredging efforts, he mentioned, “No government acquired dredgers from Bangabandhu’s time until 2008. The Awami League procured 40 dredgers in three terms, and we are in the process of acquiring 35 more. Tenders for grab dredgers and hopper dredgers are ongoing to combat river pollution. We are raising awareness.”

He concluded, “Our duty is to deliver the joy of independence. Otherwise, anti-independence forces might claim 1971 was a mistake. We won’t let that happen. We are enjoying independence with food, clothing, education, shelter, and healthcare. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina aims to build a Smart Bangladesh by 2041. We commit to achieving pollution-free rivers and safe vessels before 2041, ensuring the success of this observance.”

Despite acknowledging that Bangladesh has not yet reached the goal of pollution-free rivers and safe vessels, the minister reiterated his unwavering commitment to this objective despite existing shortcomings and challenges.