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The government has undertaken a comprehensive plan to free the rivers surrounding Dhaka from encroachment and pollution while developing their banks as public-friendly, environment-friendly and tourism destinations, Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam has said.
If the initiatives are implemented quickly, a circular water transport network around the capital could be established, creating new opportunities for passenger movement, tourism and recreation, he said.
The minister made the remarks on Friday morning while participating in the BIWTA Walkway Run 2026, organised by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) in Mohammadpur, Dhaka.
He said walkways had already been constructed along several stretches of the rivers to protect their banks and create spaces for people to walk and spend leisure time. However, some sections still have incomplete connections, and the government plans to complete the remaining links soon.
The government wants to develop riverbanks into attractive public spaces where residents can walk regularly, enjoy a clean environment and appreciate the natural beauty of the rivers, he added.
Emphasising public participation in river conservation, the minister said BIWTA was undertaking various initiatives to raise awareness and encourage people to become more responsible towards rivers and the environment.
He said the participation of regular walkers and marathon runners in the event was intended to encourage physical activity and help ensure better facilities for them.
Referring to previous attempts to introduce circular passenger water transport services around Dhaka, Sheikh Robiul Alam said those initiatives had failed to achieve the expected success partly because river journeys took longer than road travel and pollution made the waterways unattractive to passengers.
The government is now working to address these challenges through pollution control, eviction of illegal encroachments, introduction of modern vessels and development of new river stations and landing facilities.
He said the authorities had identified around 426 pollution sources along the rivers, where chemical, liquid and solid waste is being discharged.
Coordinated efforts involving the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, BIWTA, city corporations and the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) are under way to control these sources and prevent waste from entering the rivers, he added.
The minister also outlined plans to expand navigation and connectivity through new waterways, modern and attractive vessels, and additional river stations and landing facilities. These facilities would be integrated with the road transport network to improve accessibility.
He expressed hope that the initiatives would help restore the rivers surrounding Dhaka and create a cleaner, more accessible and environmentally sustainable urban landscape.
Shipping Ministry Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, BIWTA Chairman Muhidul Islam and senior officials of the ministry and the authority attended the programme.