Bangladesh to carry out first-ever watercraft census

To revive the water transport sector and unlock its full potential for the economy, the government is set to conduct Bangladesh’s first-ever census on watercraft.

Jointly organised by the shipping ministry and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the nationwide survey will run from August 20 to August 29. It aims to generate a reliable, comprehensive baseline on the actual volume, categories, usage patterns, and ownership structures of vessels operating across the country.

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A three-day training session for field-level coordinators kicked off yesterday at the BBS headquarters in Dhaka to prepare for the rollout, according to joint statements issued by the shipping and planning ministries.

Historically, the national canal network stretched across 24,000 kilometres, according to data presented at a recent seminar of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Over time, however, the share of water transport in passenger and freight movement has steadily dropped

“Bangladesh is a riverine nation whose economy, trade, and local livelihoods remain deeply tied to its waterways. Yet, we have failed to fully capitalise on this potential,” stated State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan at the inauguration.

State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki was also in attendance.

The initiative follows a broader government drive to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals nationwide, a project designed to restore canal interconnectivity and maximise the benefits of water transport.

Historically, the national canal network stretched across 24,000 kilometres, according to data presented at a recent Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) seminar.

Over time, however, the share of water transport in passenger and freight movement has steadily dropped, with more than 55 percent of navigable waterways currently silted up or illegally encroached upon. BBS data reveals that water transport’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) shrank from 3.3 percent in fiscal year 1980 to a mere 0.4 percent in FY25.

Furthermore, the 8th Five-Year Plan (July 2020-June 2025) highlights that waterways account for 8-16 percent of total passenger and freight traffic -- compared to 4 percent by rail, with road transport absorbing the remainder.

The document notes that besides handling inland movement of freight and passengers, the network serves as a critical link for import and export cargo moving through the sea ports of Chittagong and Mongla. Traditional country boats play a vital role in this ecosystem, supporting roughly 50 percent of total employment across the transport sector.

Speaking in parliament this past June, Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam noted that Bangladesh retains 6,200 kilometres of navigable waterways during the dry season, expanding to 8,000 kilometres during the monsoon.

At yesterday’s event, State Minister Razib emphasised that mounting pressure on road networks makes water transport an urgent priority.

“Various initiatives have been taken to ensure the maximum and effective use of waterways to reduce this pressure. It is possible to make the country’s economy more dynamic by using waterways more effectively for business-commerce, freight and passenger transportation, and tourism.”

He added that the census dataset will form the backbone of future policymaking, strategic planning, and maritime safety regulations.

According to the Department of Shipping, Bangladesh recorded 22,300 registered inland vessels at the close of 2025.

State Minister for Planning Saki warned that strict legal action will follow any data discrepancies, irregularities, or inconsistencies uncovered during field collection.

Emphasising that trustworthy data is indispensable for sound policy formulation, he urged field coordinators to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and neutrality throughout the census.