State Minister Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury of the Ministry of Shipping highlighted the significant contributions of the ministry to the economy of Bangladesh during the president`s speech at the annual development program 2023-24 implementation progress review meeting.
Mr. Chowdhury emphasized the importance of working in harmony with the environment while executing projects, noting that the ministry has implemented 31 projects in the fiscal year 2023-24.
Chowdhury underscored the unique role of the Ministry of Shipping in Bangladesh`s economy, stating that smoother waterways and timely project implementation are essential for further progress. He stressed the importance of adhering to the Prime Minister`s directives and ensuring the proper preparation of project Detailed Project Proposals (DPP).
Additionally, he emphasized the need to analyze judgments regarding the disposal of dredged material from river mining before finalizing DPPs.
The minister provided details of the projects undertaken by the ministry, including 28 projects under the Annual Development Program (ADP) and three self-financed projects. A total allocation of 10,147 crore 14 lakh taka has been made for these projects, with 9,473 crore 72 lakh taka allocated for ADP projects and 673 crore 42 lakh taka allocated for self-financed projects.
Among the projects, three belong to the Bangladesh Land Port Authority, 14 to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), one to the Chittagong Port Authority, two to the Payra Port Authority, four to the Mongla Port Authority, one to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), one to the Department of Shipping, one to the Seamen`s Welfare Department, and one to the Department of Expatriate Workers Welfare. Additionally, three projects of the Chittagong Port Authority are being financed independently.
Senior Secretary Md. Mustafa Kamal, along with heads of departments and organizations under the Ministry of Shipping, attended the meetin