The shipping ministry, with the financial support of the World Bank, will dredge the Chattogram-Dhaka- Ashuganj waterways and set up terminals to enhance capacity of the shipping corridor and improve the security system.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and two contractors signed an agreement in this connection at a city hotel on Saturday, a press release said.

BIWTA Additional Chief Engineer and Project Director Ayub Ali and Managing Director of Karnaphuli Ship Builders Eng Abdur Rashid signed the agreement on behalf of the contractor Gulf Kobla-Karnaphuli while Banga Dredgers Ltd Director Ainul Islam signed on behalf of the contractor Dharti-Banga in presence of the State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury.

The Gulf Kobla-Karnaphuli and Dharti-Banga joint ventures will work for the development of 13 shipping routes under the agreement at a cost of Tk430 crore.

Shipping Secretary Mesbah Uddin Chowdhury, National River Protection Commission Chairman Manzoor Ahmed Chowdhury and BIWTA Chairman Commodore Golam Sadeq were present at the signing ceremony.

Marex Media