DCCI Pushes Inland Waterways to Cut Business Costs

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has called for accelerated development of inland waterway infrastructure to reduce the cost of doing business and strengthen Bangladesh’s logistics competitiveness.

The appeal was made during a courtesy meeting between DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed and Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee at the Bangladesh Secretariat on 11 May 2026.

During the discussion, Taskeen Ahmed highlighted that as a riverine country, Bangladesh has long depended on its inland waterways as one of the most economical and energy-efficient modes of transporting industrial raw materials and finished goods. However, he said the system is currently underperforming due to long-standing challenges such as river siltation, reduced navigability and encroachment on riverbanks.

He stressed the need for urgent river restoration, systematic dredging programmes and improved waterway infrastructure to unlock the sector’s full potential. According to him, a modernised inland water transport network could significantly reduce logistics costs and improve the overall efficiency of trade and industry.

The DCCI president also referred to the government’s plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of water bodies over the next five years, saying the initiative could transform inland transport, support irrigation systems, boost agricultural productivity and contribute to broader economic growth.

He further proposed strategic utilisation of waterways around the capital, particularly the approximately 112-kilometre circular river route linking the Buriganga, Turag, Balu, Shitalakkhya and Dhaleshwari rivers. Properly developed, he said, this circular waterway could serve as an alternative transport corridor, easing severe traffic congestion in Dhaka while offering a greener logistics option.

Taskeen Ahmed also urged greater private sector participation through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, particularly in dredging operations and canal excavation support, to ensure faster and more efficient implementation of waterway development projects.

In response, Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing inland waterways as a sustainable and cost-effective transport system.

He said several initiatives are already underway to improve river navigation and expand canal excavation programmes across the country. The minister called on the private sector to actively engage in these efforts, particularly under PPP arrangements, to accelerate implementation and ensure long-term sustainability.

He added that successful execution of the ongoing initiatives would not only improve connectivity but also stimulate local economies by creating an environmentally friendly transport network across Bangladesh.

The meeting also discussed the broader role of inland waterways in reducing pressure on roads, lowering transport costs for businesses and supporting climate-resilient infrastructure development.

DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman and Acting Secretary General Dr. AKM Asaduzzaman Patwary were also present.