Development activities at the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) have been under strain since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 last year. Progress on key projects has slowed, with officials reportedly demoralised by a wave of allegations and political labelling.
Since the political change, BIWTA has not initiated any new development projects. Insiders say work on 12 ongoing projects — many critical for river navigability and infrastructure — is progressing sluggishly.
Officials allege that a vested group is targeting employees by falsely linking them to the Awami League. These individuals are said to demand unethical favours, and upon refusal, they allegedly file complaints against BIWTA staff with ministries, intelligence agencies, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Media reports often echo these accusations without verification, spreading fear among employees and disrupting operations.
Key ongoing projects include major dredging operations in rivers such as the Brahmaputra and Jhinai (Jamalpur), Dharla (Kurigram), Tolai and Punorbhaba (Dinajpur), Banshi (Tangail), Ghaghot (Gaibandha), Nagda (Gazipur), and rivers in Mithamoin (Kishoreganj).
Other initiatives involve constructing a circular walkway around Dhaka, installing river demarcation pillars, and procuring 35 new dredgers — though the dredger procurement process itself faces delays.
“We are following government directives to implement and complete our projects,” said Additional Chief Engineer Saidur Rahman. “But a vested quarter is trying to extract undue benefits by spreading falsehoods and politically tagging officials, which is undermining our momentum.”
He urged the media to verify facts before publishing. “We believe in transparency. If contacted, we can provide accurate information to avoid confusion and protect morale.”
AKM Arif Uddin, General Secretary of the BIWTA Officers Association, echoed these concerns and called for responsible journalism to maintain staff morale and ensure timely project delivery.
