Bangladesh Maritime Transport Profile 2026
Outline
BANGLADESH
MARITIME TRANSPORT PROFILE
Supported by:
Maritime assets
Port area in 2025
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Ships built by country of building, annual
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Merchant fleet by country of beneficial ownership, annual
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Trade - Navigation total
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Water transport employment
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Activity
Container port throughput
Port call and performance statistics
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Trade mode share
Port Activity
Trade openness index
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Seafarer supply
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Top 10 Freight Transport Expenditure in USD (Import)
Source: UNCTAD & World Bank. (n.d.). TransportCosts. UN Trade & Development Data Hub - Trade-and-Transport Dataset, Annual, 2016 Onward. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://unctadstat.unctad.org/datacentre/dataviewer/US.TransportCosts
Top 10 Freight transport work in thousand ton-km (Import)
Source: UNCTAD & World Bank. (n.d.). TransportCosts. UN Trade & Development Data Hub - Trade-and-Transport Dataset, Annual, 2016 Onward. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://unctadstat.unctad.org/datacentre/dataviewer/US.TransportCosts
Top 10 Freight Transport Expenditure in USD (Export)
Source: UNCTAD & World Bank. (n.d.). TransportCosts. UN Trade & Development Data Hub - Trade-and-Transport Dataset, Annual, 2016 Onward. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://unctadstat.unctad.org/datacentre/dataviewer/US.TransportCosts
Top 10 Freight transport work in thousand ton-km (Export)
Source: UNCTAD & World Bank. (n.d.). TransportCosts. UN Trade & Development Data Hub - Trade-and-Transport Dataset, Annual, 2016 Onward. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://unctadstat.unctad.org/datacentre/dataviewer/US.TransportCosts
Connectivity and performance
LPI
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Liner shipping connectivity index
Port liner shipping connectivity index
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Bilateral liner shipping connectivity index
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Trade cost
Container port performance index
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Remoteness index
Sustainable freight transport index
Percent of firms identifying transport as a major constraint
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Shipping emissions
EDGAR GHG 2025
Transport energy consumption
EDGAR AP 8.1
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GAINS emissions
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Adaptation and resilience
Average annual loss
Port risk
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Investment on ports
Development financing
Private participation in infrastructure
Policy Targets
Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General
| Grant No. 47: 150 - Road Transport and Highways Division | 2023 | Number of Ferries in operation = 117 | 2026 |
Policy Measures
| BANGLADESH'S THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (NDС 3.0) | Shipping efficiency improvements | Promote low-carbon vessels and green transport hubs. | 2025 |
| BANGLADESH'S THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (NDС 3.0) | Green shipping program | Promote low-carbon vessels and green transport hubs. | 2025 |
| BANGLADESH'S THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (NDС 3.0) | Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General | Promote inland waterways as a low-cost and low-emission transport mode. | 2025 |
| Grant No. 47: 150 - Road Transport and Highways Division | Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General | Number of Ferries in operation = 117 | 2023 |
| Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) 2023 | Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General | Improved and enhanced Inland Water Transport (IWT) system (Improve navigation for regional, sub-regional, and local routes, improve maintenance of water vessel to enhance engine performance, introduce electric water vessel etc.) Conditional: Improved and enhanced Inland Water Transport (IWT) system (Improve navigation for regional, sub-regional, and local routes, improve maintenance of water vessel to enhance engine performance, introduce electric water vessel etc.) | 2023 |
| Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan 2022-2041 | Excavation/dredging | We will encourage the use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles to transport goods These would include green and electric inland water transportation to complement the Bangladesh dredging master plan to unlock 10,000 kilometers of river routes while the collected silt and debris can be used to raise low-lying land. We will leverage PPP models to create green distribution networks for freight through the use of integrated distribution facilities and electric vehicles to fulfil the freight demands of urban areas. | 2022 |
| Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan 2022-2041 | Green logistics program | Incentive schemes will be deployed to lower the direct and indirect costs of logistics while also reducing both dependence on fossil fuels and their harmful environmental effects. large-scale electrification of cargo-handling equipment in logistics facilities such as ports and inland terminals including cold chains | 2022 |
| Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan 2022-2041 | Incentives for EVs and components | We will unlock fiscal incentives (tax breaks for electric transportation including inland water transportation and vehicles) to improve the project economics of modernized technologies, while removing fiscal incentives and increasing tax rates for outdated technology, contributing to the establishment of an Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) hub. Special tax breaks will be provided for domestically owned EVs, and hydrogen-powered vehicles and other modernized transportation. | 2022 |
| Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan 2022-2041 | Modal shift | The use of rail transportation will be encouraged for long-haul movement of goods to reduce dependence on road transport with rail growth supporting the Bangladesh Railway 30-year Revised Master Plan (2016-2045) to Cox's Bazar, Mongla Port, Tungipara, Barisal, Chattogram Hill Tracts and other parts of the country Similarly, use of internal waterways for transportation of goods will be prioritized to utilize the extensive network of waterways and bring down the logistics costs for transportation of freight. | 2022 |
| Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan 2022-2041 | Port electrification | large-scale electrification of cargo-handling equipment in logistics facilities such as ports and inland terminals | 2022 |
| Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan 2022-2041 | Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General | Electrify 10,000 km of internal waterways transportation in coordination with the dredging master plan | 2022 |
| Perspective Plan of Bangladesh 2021-2041 | Excavation/dredging | • Sharply improve the navigability of river routes through strategic dredging, river training, and bandalling. (implementation of BDP2100 may help substantially in this regard) • Required dredging to allow handling of bigger shipping will be carried out. strengthening capacities of line ministries and public agencies through improvement in technical capacities based on training and also through recruitment of special skills from private sector on contractual basis. Upgradation/construction of railway training academy. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) will be strengthened with technical staff and qualified inspectors to administer all licensing functions efficiently and on time. Special attention will be given to governance improvements. The capacity of BIWTA to undertake hydrological surveys, conduct river training and implement dredging operations will be expanded through upgrading the managerial and technical staff and international training. Side by side, the private sector will be invited to participate in these operations on a PPP basis. • Strengthen security in the airport through the introduction of a modern security system. • Strengthen human resource development in this skill-intensive and competitive line of business. | 2021 |
| First Nationally Determined Contributions (Updated) | Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General | Improved and enhanced Inland Water Transport (IWT) system (Improve navigation for regional, sub-regional, and local routes, improve maintenance of water vessel to enhance engine performance, introduce electric water vessel etc.) | 2021 |
| Perspective Plan of Bangladesh 2021-2041 | Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General | Establish priority routing based on potential passenger and freight traffic flows and develop those navigability improvements and river port infrastructures • Give priority to inter-regional river connectivity to facilitate trade, commerce and tourism • Sharply improve river transport safety standards by setting proper standards and ensuring full compliance. Particular attention would be given to ensuring the river-worthiness of vessels, adequacy of safety equipment including radio communications, and compliance with passenger load regulations. • Vessel worthiness licensing would ensure minimum service facilities and standards of all vessels. • Riverport facilities will be sharply improved with modern service standards for passengers, docking and unloading services for cargo including container cargo, storage facilities and security and rescue services. International river ports of call will also provide customs and inspection services as relevant. | 2021 |
| Perspective Plan of Bangladesh 2021-2041 | Reference to domestic financing mechanisms | IWT - Pricing policies for passenger and cargo will be commercially determined with a view to enabling a reasonable rate of return on investment. | 2021 |
| Perspective Plan of Bangladesh 2021-2041 | Shipping port infrastructure improvements | • Each port would focus on the improvement of productivity both ship berth-day and gangshift output further through modernisation, induction of more sophisticated equipment in handling cargo, etc. • Handling operations in selected areas will gradually be outsourced/privatised for injecting more competition and increasing output. • Efforts would be made for full mechanization of cargo handling operation and movement in major Ports. • The storage area in the ports will be expanded. • Efforts would be made to reduce pre-berthing detention and to improve turn -time of vessels through minimization of both port and non-port related factors. • Terminal capacity for handling higher cargo off-loading will be expanded. • Capacity to handle large container traffic will be expanded by constructing deep watercontainer hub ports. • Modern cargo handling techniques would be introduced to improve port performance in the major ports, particularly in the dry bulk cargo, conventional and unitized general cargo trades. • Port service efficiency and productivity will be enhanced by introducing of state-of-the-art technology/internet to implement integrated Port Operations System and to move towards paperless regime so as to reduce dwell time and also reduce transaction cost to the users. The major areas where such automation is aimed at include: Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS); Information Technology in Scientific Application, the Cargo/Container handling operations and non-operation area; Surveillance System and Safety & Security System; and Electronic Commerce (EC)/Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). | 2021 |
| Eighth Five Year Plan | Development of shipping/ maritime/ inland water transport (IWT) plan/ policy | Formulation of Private Sector Port Policy | 2020 |
| Eighth Five Year Plan | Excavation/dredging | Sharply improve the navigability of river routes through strategic dredging, river training, and bundling as emphasized in BDP2100. Up gradation/construction of railway training academy. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) will be strengthened with technical staff and qualified inspectors to administer all licensing functions efficiently and on time. Special attention will be given to governance improvements. The capacity of BIWTA to undertake hydrological surveys, conduct river training and implement dredging operations will be expanded through upgrading the managerial and technical staff and international training. Side by side, the private sector will be invited to participate in these operations on a PPP basis. Strengthen human resource development in this skill-intensive and competitive line of business. - Aviation River port facilities will be sharply improved with modern service standards for passengers, docking and unloading services for cargo including container cargo, storage facilities and security and rescue services. International river ports of call will also provide customs and inspection services as relevant. The investment programmes for the expansion of Chittagong Port capacity will be fast tracked along with other investments for expanding container traffic handling and management. Completion of minimum 16.0 meter draft deep sea port at Matarbari, Cox's Bazar. The investment programmes for the Pyra Port will be fast tracked for speedy completion of all required physical work to enable service by 2022. Each port would focus on the improvement of productivity – both ship berth-day and gang-shift output further through modernisation, induction of more sophisticated equipment in handling cargo, etc. Handling operations in selected areas will gradually be outsourced/ privatised for injecting more competition and increasing output. Efforts would be made for full mechanization of cargo handling operation and movement in major Ports. The storage area in the ports will be expanded Efforts would be made to reduce pre-berthing detention and to improve turn -time of vessels through minimization of both port and non-port related factors. Required dredging to allow handling of bigger shipping will be carried out. Terminal capacity for handling higher cargo off-loading will be expanded. Capacity to handle large container traffic will be expanded by constructing deep water-container hub ports Modern cargo handling techniques would be introduced to improve port performance in the major ports, particularly in the dry bulk cargo, conventional and unitized general cargo trades. Port service efficiency and productivity will be enhanced by introducing of state-of-the-art technology/internet to implement integrated Port Operations System and to move towards paperless regime so as to reduce dwell time and also reduce transaction cost to the users. The major areas where such automation is aimed at include: Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS); Information Technology in Scientific Application, the Cargo/Container handling operations and non-operation area; Surveillance System and Safety & Security System; and Electronic Commerce (EC)/Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). | 2020 |
| Eighth Five Year Plan | Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General | Establish priority routing based on potential passenger and freight traffic flows and develop those navigability improvements and river port infrastructures. Give priority to inter-regional river connectivity to facilitate trade, commerce and tourism. Strengthen river transport safety standards by setting proper standards and ensuring full compliance. Particular attention would be given to ensure the river-worthiness of vessels, adequacy of safety equipment including radio communications, and compliance with passenger load regulations. Vessel worthiness licensing would ensure minimum service facilities and standards of all vessels. Given the large need for resources, a proper balance between the public and private sector will be maintained. Much of the infrastructure will be provided by the public sector but most of the passenger and freight services will be provided by the private sector. ADP allocations will give priority to the development of IWT infrastructure Emphasis will be placed on removing all the constraints to the use of the Mongla Port to its full capacity through a combination of investments in strategic dredging and investments in port equipment and facilities to support expanded and efficient cargo handling | 2020 |
| Eighth Five Year Plan | Public transport intermodality - General | Integrate IWT with other transport modes to maximize the benefits of IWT. | 2020 |
| Eighth Five Year Plan | Shipping port infrastructure improvements | River port facilities will be sharply improved with modern service standards for passengers, docking and unloading services for cargo including container cargo, storage facilities and security and rescue services. International river ports of call will also provide customs and inspection services as relevant. The investment programmes for the expansion of Chittagong Port capacity will be fast tracked along with other investments for expanding container traffic handling and management. Completion of minimum 16.0 meter draft deep sea port at Matarbari, Cox's Bazar. The investment programmes for the Pyra Port will be fast tracked for speedy completion of all required physical work to enable service by 2022. Each port would focus on the improvement of productivity – both ship berth-day and gang-shift output further through modernisation, induction of more sophisticated equipment in handling cargo, etc. Handling operations in selected areas will gradually be outsourced/ privatised for injecting more competition and increasing output. Efforts would be made for full mechanization of cargo handling operation and movement in major Ports. The storage area in the ports will be expanded Efforts would be made to reduce pre-berthing detention and to improve turn -time of vessels through minimization of both port and non-port related factors. Required dredging to allow handling of bigger shipping will be carried out. Terminal capacity for handling higher cargo off-loading will be expanded. Capacity to handle large container traffic will be expanded by constructing deep water-container hub ports Modern cargo handling techniques would be introduced to improve port performance in the major ports, particularly in the dry bulk cargo, conventional and unitized general cargo trades. Port service efficiency and productivity will be enhanced by introducing of state-of-the-art technology/internet to implement integrated Port Operations System and to move towards paperless regime so as to reduce dwell time and also reduce transaction cost to the users. The major areas where such automation is aimed at include: Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS); Information Technology in Scientific Application, the Cargo/Container handling operations and non-operation area; Surveillance System and Safety & Security System; and Electronic Commerce (EC)/Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). | 2020 |
| Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 Vol. 3.b | Excavation/dredging | Intensification of the dredging programme by procuring dredgers to develop channel conditions of inland waterways. Smooth navigation of water craft will be ensured through navigation aids | 2018 |
| Roadmap and Action Plan for Implementing Bangladesh NDC | Excavation/dredging | In recognition of its importance, a number of measures were announced in the Seventh Five Year Plan to encourage greater use of inland waterways, including dredging projects such as the project to develop the navigability of “Madaripur-CharmuguriaTekerhat-Gopalganj” river routes43, which is scheduled to be completed by 2019/20. A medium-term project is also currently being implemented and a longer term dredging project (“Capital dredging of 53 river routes”) | 2018 |
| Roadmap and Action Plan for Implementing Bangladesh NDC | Freight intermodality - General | development of rural transport infrastructure by integrating road and inland water transport and improving channel and waterway conditions development of rural transport infrastructure by integrating road and inland water transport and improving channel and waterway conditions | 2018 |
| Roadmap and Action Plan for Implementing Bangladesh NDC | Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General | In addition, a circular water bus and water Taxi in Hatirjheel lake have been introduced in Dhaka taking steps to ensure better schedule management could help encourage use of this mode of transport. Expansion and modernization of railways and a mode shift from road to rail and from road to waterways | 2018 |
| Roadmap and Action Plan for Implementing Bangladesh NDC | Rural transport infrastructure | development of rural transport infrastructure by integrating road and inland water transport and improving channel and waterway conditions | 2018 |
| Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 Vol. 3.b | Shipping port infrastructure improvements | Establishment of inland container river port on priority basis. Priority upgrading of port facilities (both cargo and passenger) and storage facilities for prompt vessel loading/unloading, mechanical equipment will be introduced for handling of cargo in place of head-load system. | 2018 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Data collection and repositories - General | Creating a database to manage and control vessels | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Development of shipping/ maritime/ inland water transport (IWT) plan/ policy | The Government has already prepared a Road Master Plan, Railway Master Plan and Inland Water Transport Master Plan and in future will ensure the development of the following sub-sectoral master plans/strategies/goals; i. Transport Safety Strategy ii. Air passenger and freight targets iii. Urban transport Plans | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Excavation/dredging | Bringing navigability of rivers through enforcement, removing encroachment of river banks, permanent stopping of river pollution, upgrading of river ports and ensuring an environment conducive to transportation through river ports. Increasing government allocation for dredging Applying advanced technology along with introducing modern management and developing skilled human resources in dredging Short-term, mid-term and long-term contracts for river maintenance dredging Ensuring safe berthing of ships by dredging of channels to increase navigability. Greater private sector participation in the activities of CAAB Support to the private sector transport operators, freight forwarders as well as to another government and semi government entities to establish themselves as MTOs' Encouraging private sector participation in acquiring railway rolling stock, particularly high speed wagons and new generation locos through innovative leasing schemes Encouraging private sector participation in individual passenger train routes, particularly for airconditioned and first class rolling stock Encouraging private sector participation in operation of inland water depots and investment in equipment Continuing and expanding initiatives already taken to involve the private sector in port sector Encouraging private sector investment in building bridges, expressways, flyovers and bypasses Giving priority to private sector in dredging for improvement of navigability and conservation ofrivers by ensuring full utilization of earth/sand (spoils). In order to involve private sector in development of highways, the public sector funds should be used in the form of equity and/or grant so that projects become more attractive for the private sector. Where there are foreign proposals for investment in transport, the Government will consider an appropriate domestic equity share. | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Freight Laws and Regulatory measures | Updating protocol for transit and trade to increase trade and modernize inland water transport; Streamlining customs procedures and regulations in line with the requirements for the introduction of multimodal transport Promoting Bangladesh competitiveness by encouraging reliable and efficient distribution and access to markets | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Green logistics program | Following International Maritime Organization (IMO) protocols and conventions to prevent marine pollution | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General | Modernizing hydrographic survey to provide updated information of waterways of all classes Improving navigational aids and vessels tracking Ensuring uninterrupted movement of inland water transports; Introducing water bus to provide door-to-door service to people. Ensuring that vessels are provided with sufficient life saving devices Ensuring use of Digital Mobile Radio and wireless technology to ensure uninterrupted communication from bank to bank, vessel to bank and vessel to vessel; Ensuring adequate vertical clearance in inland waterways for safe passage of vessels and providing Low Tension Lines and High Tension Lines to safe heights Strengthening marine guards/marine police and establishing police station for waterways to ensure security of passengers and freight | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Innovations and digitalization - General | Applying digital technology in the management of integrated transport policy Introducing digital techniques in ensuring better service in water transport; Applying modern technology in transport system Immigration services at international airports will be improved through the recruitment and training of staff dedicated to the task, and the introduction of improved ITsystems | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Logistics customs and border procedures | Updating protocol for transit and trade to increase trade and modernize inland water transport; Streamlining customs procedures and regulations in line with the requirements for the introduction of multimodal transport Promoting Bangladesh competitiveness by encouraging reliable and efficient distribution and access to markets | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Private sector investment/ PPP | Greater private sector participation in the activities of CAAB Support to the private sector transport operators, freight forwarders as well as to another government and semi government entities to establish themselves as MTOs' Encouraging private sector participation in acquiring railway rolling stock, particularly high speed wagons and new generation locos through innovative leasing schemes Encouraging private sector participation in individual passenger train routes, particularly for airconditioned and first class rolling stock Encouraging private sector participation in operation of inland water depots and investment in equipment Continuing and expanding initiatives already taken to involve the private sector in port sector Encouraging private sector investment in building bridges, expressways, flyovers and bypasses Giving priority to private sector in dredging for improvement of navigability and conservation ofrivers by ensuring full utilization of earth/sand (spoils). In order to involve private sector in development of highways, the public sector funds should be used in the form of equity and/or grant so that projects become more attractive for the private sector. Where there are foreign proposals for investment in transport, the Government will consider an appropriate domestic equity share. | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Shipping efficiency improvements | Strengthening research into more fuel-efficient vessels Enhancing efficiency and safety of country boat by modernizing engine driven country boats and by using reversible gear fitted country boats | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Shipping improvement - General | Ensuring that water vessels are designed and built following correct design through modernization of design checking and involvement of naval architects Reforming and improving of vessel registration system Ensuring addition of necessary equipment including Differential Global Positioning System to use electronic hydrographic chart | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Shipping port infrastructure improvements | Investing in existing river ports to improve cargo and passenger handling Investing in new port to better serve increasing passenger and bulk cargo needs Increasing capacity and efficiency of Chittagong and Mongla seaports, including consideration of a deep sea port, and ensuring that ports are fully connected by rail and inland water transport Developing ports as a gateway for freight movement among neighboring countries Utilizing local and foreign expertise and investment to increase port capacity and efficiency | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Technical standards for general transport infrastructure | Promoting best environmental standards in the design and operation of ports | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Transport finance - General | Encouraging more investment in rail and inland water transport A firm commitment from the government to provide adequate levels of funding Within the multimodal transport framework, and bearing in mind the recommendation of the above plans, as integrated and integrated multimodal transport investment plan will be drawn up taking into account the i. Relative economic costs of various modes; ii. Integration option for the transport network; and iii. Options for the provision of door-to-door services. | 2013 |
| National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy | Transport Laws and Regulations- General | Establishing a more rational regulatory framework Rationalizing regulatory agencies and updating regulations in the sector Introducing new legislation covering the documentary requirements and obligations for multimodal transport operation, including insurance provisions needed to cover all risks Improving regulatory control of shipping using Bangladesh ports and waters Support a self-registration system among MTOs to regulate their operations in line with international norms, to ensure that Bangladesh is competitive in this area. Fully enforce traffic rules and regulations Improve accountability of the concerned transport owners, drivers ,helpers and officials responsible for road transport operations; and consolidating the legal reform implications of the above in acts Improving regulations and enforcement to prevent overloading of vessels Regulatory practices will address consumer grievances such as quality of services, safety etc Regulatory practices will be improved so that the transport modes are truly competitive and responsive to user demand The regulator will also be required to act as an arbitrator in disputes between service providers or between concessionaire and the concessioning authority To ensure that the regulatory authorities function freely Action plans to implement the multimodal transport plan will be drawn up to include legal, regulatory and institutional measures to achieve the policy objectives of sustainable multimodal transport. Contradictions within existing policies will be rationalized and enforced through legislative means. | 2013 |
| National Sustainable Development Strategy 2010-2021 | Excavation/dredging | Expansion of the dredging program including procurement of dredgers to improve existing channel conditions of inland waterways and provision of navigational aids and safety for smooth navigation of water crafts. | 2010 |
| National Land Transport Policy | Shipping improvement - General | The private sector will be invited to participate in ferry supply and operations, subject to open competition, providing the same or better level of service. | 2004 |
| National Land Transport Policy | Shipping port infrastructure improvements | Accordingly, Bangladesh Railways will look at increasing the number of container terminals. Options for new terminals in cities outside Dhaka, as well as at Tongi, will be studied. | 2004 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Capacity building - General | Modernisation and proper empowerment ofport management. Effective coordination ofthe port authority with custom and transport system. Ensuring human resource development. Keeping continuous training and raising standard of all who are associated with port management, both under government and private sector. To increase incentive facilities to collect more pilots and consideration of alternative arrangement including introduction of special training program. Review of operation system for bringing change in management, fund and collection activities in the port administration. Review and reform thestructure of organisation representing labour union and structure of existing labour organisation in the port. Review and reform activities of executive body of the dock labour. Training and motivation process will continue for the workers to work consciously about environment. To make Department of Shipping fit with necessary manpower and machineries for signing these multilateral agreements and implementation of the same. Necessary administrative and infrastructural development for implementation of these multilateral agreements. Arranging training of all concerned to prepare rules and regulations in the light of multilateral agreements signed by Bangladesh. Improving standard of training as given in the training organisation for shipping officials and seamen up to international level according to demand of [MO convention. Modernisation of Marine Training Centres to increase necessary efficiency and its operation, financing and management will be reviewed, so that these are established o n sustainable base. Providing training under established rules and regulations and private sector will be encouraged to invest in the training and training facilities for certification. Necessary assistance will be provided to raise the existingtraining program to the international standard for entering Bangladesh into IMO white list. Training course will be introduced for human resource development of port and shipping management. Taking action for competency test of sea going shipping officers and will be modemized in the light of uptodate international convention. Training program will have to undertake to get more efficient pilots continuously years after vears. Policy on manpower appointment in the ship will have to prepare to ensure safe shipping always. Ensuring sufficient trained seamen appointment in all engine boats. At least 50% sea men will have to be appointed from sea men trained from government approved organisation in the engine boats with more than 37 K.W power. Private sector will have to be motivated to establish inland shipping men training centre. Necessity of training course and training period will have to be approved by the government. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Coordinate planning across government agencies | Matter of more responsibility of the government is acknowledged in planning and preparation of rules and regulations. Review of the existing operation system and legal structure regarding management of seaports. Its objective will be to entrust planning and supervision in Ministry Level and decentralizing responsibility of taking decision regarding port matters to port level and it will be clearly separated. Coordination between concerned agencies and custom authority to ensure application to simplify document preparation and inspection system of different matenals. Coordination of concerned ministries for ensuring importance of forming proper road, rail and inland waterway communication for the ports. Participation of local and foreign entrepreneurs under private sector to develop container service and related facilities. To undertake more effective inter ministerial discussions so that negative effects of irrigation and flood control projects onnavigability becomes less. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Development of other transport-related plan/ policy | A five years term dredging plan will be prepared for inland waterways. The river ways through which big river vessels, small launches and local engine boats run will be brought under this plan. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Development of shipping/ maritime/ inland water transport (IWT) plan/ policy | Preparation of an environmental management strategyfor the port and coastal water area keeping conformity with international oceanic pollution convention. Innovation of rules and regulations, monitoring and management system to; ensure control and removal of environmental pollution effectively in the port and ocean area. Government also admits that development of ports and its efficient management is the pre-condition of a practical shipping system. Action will be taken in these regards through implementation of proper policy. for port development. G o v e r m e n t through implementation of proper port development program is taking step to implement the same with due importance. National Flag Carrying Ship Protection Ordinance will be reviewed in the light of the existing situation after forming World Trade Organisation. The purpose of this will be to liberalise rules and regulations to attract most effective shipping services, which are helpful for national development. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Development of transport adaptation/ emergency/ disaster/ recovery plan/ policy | Probable plan will be prepared to face disaster. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Economic instruments - General | Introducing research and pilot program for amendment of port tariff, dredging, navigation, pilotage and all other port activities. Giving instruction to port authority for amendment of tariff keeping conformity with service rendering so that any special service user becomes bound to pay for the said service more directly. Introducing "polluter pay" policy in the instructions to be prepared for statutory systems to be undertaken for protection of environment. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Excavation/dredging | Continuing mooring facilities in the river and bulk oil transportation facilities through pipeline and special and proper handling facilities for materials. Continuing necessary assistance to use modern management system. Excavation and maintenance of waterway entrance of port and front side of jetty are necessary for port development and undertaking necessary assistance of ship movement is necessary. In that case government will take necessary step of excavation work and to keep direction of channels for navigability of riverways. Review of demand of service activities in the port and preparation of plan to collect proper marine vessel and equipment as per demand. Review of removal of all submerged/Wreckage ship and of procedure, management and operation factors to ensure achievement of highest success in operating port. Determination of ways and means to encourage private sector to render all such services. Review of demand of pilot service for all marine vessels of more than 200 tons (GRT) and tug boat collection. Review of the existing system for early settlement of materials remaining in the port space/storage shed after stipulated period. Government will give assistance in running Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), the national shipping line of the country. BSC will be working as a guide liner of sea trade and an ideal organisation of the country. In order to remove all hindrances except essential control all the existing rules and regulations in this industry are to be reviewed and make the same uptodate.. Control ofport operation and shipping and reforming its regulatory sides. Initiative will be taken to change all existing rules and regulations regarding port and ship movement. Innovation of a proper registration and monitoring system which will give priority of rendering service. Invitation to the investors for development of facilities in the port on the basis of agreementof lease. Giving encouragement to the capital investors under local or foreign or joint venture under private sector or under government sector under joint venture. In order to innovate proper price determining system early for all services of Department of Shipping and inland water transport, survey and registration of ship, taking examination of inland water transport employees and giving them certificates, approval of water transport, test and approval of equipment kept in the ship, dredging, shipping, pilotage, port, river way use etc. study and experimental program will be taken. Charges payment system will be determined in such way that any service receiver may pay charge more directly. Amount of subsidy will determine identifying clearly as to in what services subsidy will be given or users who may get such subsidy. A five years term dredging plan will be prepared for inland waterways. The river ways through which big river vessels, small launches and local engine boats run will be brought under this plan. Introducing research and pilot program for amendment of port tariff, dredging, navigation, pilotage and all other port activities. Giving instruction to port authority for amendment of tariff keeping conformity with service rendering so that any special service user becomes bound to pay for the said service more directly. Introducing "polluter pay" policy in the instructions to be prepared for statutory systems to be undertaken for protection of environment. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Freight intermodality - General | Creation of new facilities, construction of special type of berth and establishment of effective inter-connection with other transportation system. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Green logistics program | Considering existing rules and regulations, policy of industrial management, technological progress, demand of consumers and expectation of thepeople government will try to improve management system and environment. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General | Inland and coastal main river ways will have to be developed and maintained in such way that river vessel can move freely for carrying materials between sea ports and hinderlands. o keep continue effective discussion regarding river basin management with the neighbouring countries. This discussion will be held in the light of national shipping policy and imposing proper importance on navigation. Matter of discussion may include exchange of data regarding hydrology and weather, afforestation, prevention of erosion to protect watershed and reducing degradation of soil standard. To keep proposal of ideal quantity of minimum water flow in some marked river and river ways to keep navigability even after use of water for irrigation, drinking and after use of water in different urban necessity. To continue inspection and observation of passenger carrying service under government and private sector to ensure survey, registration and related matters for safe water transport and to ensure life saving equipment in the ship. Department of shipping will determine standard in these regards and these will be compulsory to all organisations. Passenger carrying service will be continued in the coastal area for public interest. This service will be run by BIWTC through giving government subsidy until private sectors come to this work. Ensure sufficient ferry service to cross main rivers. BIWTC will have to keep proper fleet of ferry to meet up demand as per requirement in the main ferry ways. Encouraging introduction of private sector side by side with the government sector in the new ferry routes. Substitution of naval assisting equipment in the river way and those are to be observed regularly. At the same time naval assistance equipment will have to install in the new waterways. Pilotage service should be arranged in the important and necessary naval ways. The river ways where there is shortage of pilot, efficient seamen are to be motivated from the private sector to render pilotage service. Introducing an easy registration system for the engine boat of below 16-horse power by preparing a proper act. Taking necessary action for registration of such engine boat and annual survey under proper act. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Innovations and digitalization - General | GIS database and modern management syster will have to be used and expanded in the Ministry, its divisions and organisations | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Planning to reduce future vulnerabilities and minimizing losses | Keeping the loss to the lowest limit and preparation of contingency plan to face the natural emergency situation to keep the activities of the port continued to the highest level in the crisis situation. Annual practice operation to test disaster management preparation. Preparation of contingency plan to face any situation if important, port activities are hampered for reasons like accidents or ship wrecking. A possible plan will have to be prepared to collect fleet of both government and private sector to face any emergency situation or natural calamities. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Research in transport sector | Introducing research and pilot program for amendment of port tariff, dredging, navigation, pilotage and all other port activities. Giving instruction to port authority for amendment of tariff keeping conformity with service rendering so that any special service user becomes bound to pay for the said service more directly. Introducing "polluter pay" policy in the instructions to be prepared for statutory systems to be undertaken for protection of environment. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Shipping improvement - General | Continuing mooring facilities in the river and bulk oil transportation facilities through pipeline and special and proper handling facilities for materials. Continuing necessary assistance to use modern management system. Excavation and maintenance of waterway entrance of port and front side of jetty are necessary for port development and undertaking necessary assistance of ship movement is necessary. In that case government will take necessary step of excavation work and to keep direction of channels for navigability of riverways. Review of demand of service activities in the port and preparation of plan to collect proper marine vessel and equipment as per demand. Review of removal of all submerged/Wreckage ship and of procedure, management and operation factors to ensure achievement of highest success in operating port. Determination of ways and means to encourage private sector to render all such services. Review of demand of pilot service for all marine vessels of more than 200 tons (GRT) and tug boat collection. Review of the existing system for early settlement of materials remaining in the port space/storage shed after stipulated period. Government will give assistance in running Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), the national shipping line of the country. BSC will be working as a guide liner of sea trade and an ideal organisation of the country. In order to remove all hindrances except essential control all the existing rules and regulations in this industry are to be reviewed and make the same uptodate.. Control ofport operation and shipping and reforming its regulatory sides. Initiative will be taken to change all existing rules and regulations regarding port and ship movement. Innovation of a proper registration and monitoring system which will give priority of rendering service. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Shipping port infrastructure improvements | Development of network and material handling facilities of main sea ports. In order to improve the port government will undertake plan/scheme properly through involving private entrepreneur or through other way. Participation of private sector will be encouraged in port management, operation and maintenance. Creation of new facilities, construction of special type of berth and establishment of effective inter-connection with other transportation system. Undertaking proper step for continuous and sufficient power supply to the ports. Port authority will be encouraged to increase power production and distribution capacity in the main ports or will be encouraged to enter into agreement to increase power production. Undertaking of this system will remain under existing rules and regulations regarding national security and operation. Providing definite jetty facility for main import and export materials. Raising existing facilities for loading unloading of materials. Increasing efficiency of jetty activities through use of computer network in all works and to operate the same coordinately. Reconstruction of existing berths of Chittagong and Mongla port and giving assistance in additional container berth improvement through construction of n e w terminal. Giving assistance for improvement of container depot in all thespecific places of the country to face the demand of container handling, clearance and preservation service. Undertaking overall endeavor to constitute a coordinated system of al kinds and to construct necessary infrastructure in the boundary of the inland container depot. Existing ports and construction of new internal container depot/container terminal. Development of main inland river ports and internal container ports. Encouragement of government or private patronisation to develop proper landing facilities (Pontoon and Jetty) in the rural area. Construction of infrastructure of inland river ports alongwith container terminal with handling facilities so that materials carrying become easy. Participation of private sector will be encouraged in such construction, management and operation. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Technical standards for general transport infrastructure | Protection of safety and environment and determination of standard to keep the environment proper for work and ensuring application of those factors. This standard will be fixed by the Ministry of Shipping and these will be compulsory to follow. Continuous standard determination and the same will be implemented in case of shipping. Measurement of channels (length, breadth and depth), navigational lock size, horizontal and vertical measurement to cross bridge, overhead electric wire, material carrying will be inclusive to it. BIWTA will determine standard in this regards and all concerned organisations will follow the same compulsorily. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Transport finance - General | Invitation to the investors for development of facilities in the port on the basis of agreementof lease. Giving encouragement to the capital investors under local or foreign or joint venture under private sector or under government sector under joint venture. In order to innovate proper price determining system early for all services of Department of Shipping and inland water transport, survey and registration of ship, taking examination of inland water transport employees and giving them certificates, approval of water transport, test and approval of equipment kept in the ship, dredging, shipping, pilotage, port, river way use etc. study and experimental program will be taken. Charges payment system will be determined in such way that any service receiver may pay charge more directly. Amount of subsidy will determine identifying clearly as to in what services subsidy will be given or users who may get such subsidy. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Transport institutional reform | Government will constitute National Port Council. This council will be formed comprising goverment representatives, port authorities, other organisations and port users. The function of National Port Council will be to advice the government on different matters relating to port operation. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Transport international conventions - General | Detailed study will be conducted for determination of acceptability of all international conventions related with maritime shipping. In this study pollution and environmental management, regional ship movement, responsibility and compensation and naval safety conventions will be included. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Vehicle manufacturing | Possibility of performing further role in ship building industry, specially sea going ship construction industry will be reviewed and necessary action for its development will be taken. Possibility of giving encouragement and assistance in ship building and repair sector will be searched jointly with local and foreign shipping companies. | 2000 |
| National Shipping Policy 2000 | Vessel scrappage and retrofit | ecently ship-breaking industry in Bangladesh has been widened. Though there is reason of remaining sufficient uneasiness in respect of procedural security and industrial management in the work field of this industry. Location of this industry is near Chittagong port so sometimes it creates different problems in the activities of the port and it hampers security. Besides, importance may be given on adverse implication on the environment. So in order to encourage, consolidate, environment balanced and technology dependent of this industry Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Labour will prepare policy jointly. n order to stop environmental pollution for ship movement, shipbuilding, ship repair and breaking activities concerned international convention, protocol etc. will be introduced and applied. Making old ship scrap stage by stage and substitute new ships in the fleet increasing standard and efficiency of service of the existing services of BIWTC. Until ship will be repaired or will be made scrap applying safety and survey rules of ship strictly. | 2000 |