CA Urges Eco-Friendly Integrated Development of Transport

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today spoke at an inter-ministerial meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called for accelerating the integrated development of roads, railways, airways, and waterways while ensuring nature, rivers, and the environment remain unharmed.

“We must accomplish this task without harming the environment. Rivers are lifelines, and water must be preserved as a vital resource,” he said.

Prof. Yunus made the call at an inter-ministerial meeting on the strategic planning of the "Central Integrated Multimodal Transport Sector Master Plan of Bangladesh" at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Noting the country’s transport system is currently chaotic, he warned, “If it is not disciplined soon, the system may become a noose around the economy.”

The meeting was attended by senior advisers, officials from Roads, Railways, Shipping, Civil Aviation, Local Government, BIDA, BEZA, and other concerned ministries.

The Roads and Highways Department presented a preliminary strategic plan outlining coordination among all transport networks and necessary reforms. The plan shows that optimal use and modest expansion of existing railways, waterways, and highways could significantly improve the sector.

Commending the officials, the Chief Adviser said the plan offers a strong conceptual foundation, and now effective steps are needed for implementation. He stressed that planning must focus on both national economic growth and regional and global connectivity.

Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Dr Sheikh Moinuddin noted that efforts are underway to develop a comprehensive model that strengthens the country’s economic lifeline through transport.

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud suggested fast-tracking areas where a few small roads could achieve national connectivity. Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan highlighted the establishment of a "Planners’ Wing" to enhance strategic planning.

BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun added that three new ports will be launched in Chattogram by 2030, and prompt initiatives are needed to ensure effective road connectivity to these ports.