Published : 02 Aug 2026, 10:22 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:29 AM
The government has decided to introduce a privately operated water bus service on the 110-kilometre circular waterway surrounding Dhaka.
The decision was made on Sunday morning at a meeting on the development of Dhaka's circular waterway, held at the Cabinet Division. It was chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.
He said, "The meeting decided to launch water bus services by revitalising the waterways around Dhaka and by considering proposals from interested private companies."
The meeting also discussed measures to prevent pollution in Dhaka's rivers, maintain navigability and the natural flow of water, improve the drainage system, and plant various species of trees along the walkways on the riverbanks.
The deputy press secretary added, "The honourable prime minister has instructed that various species of trees be planted alongside the walkways built along the riverbanks to ensure environmental protection and enhance the beauty of the riverfront."
The 110-kilometre circular route around Dhaka will begin at Gabtoli and pass through Ashulia, Tongi, Narayanganj, Sadarghat, and Bosila before returning to Gabtoli.
The meeting was attended by Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam; State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam; Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam; Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan and senior officials from the relevant ministries and agencies.
