‘Shipping sector equally important for trade and commerce as roads, railways’

The shipping sector has become equally important for the country’s trade and commerce as roads and railways, said Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun.

He made the remark while addressing a programme marking ‘World Maritime Day 2021’ as the chief guest at a hotel in the capital on Thursday morning, reads a press release.

He said shipping had become one of the most successful sectors of the country in the last 12 years.

“The government’s consolidated plan has brought unparalleled success to this sector. The government has taken various initiatives and deployed skilled manpower to strengthen it,” said the minister. 

“The maritime networks have begun to develop across the country as the closed waterways are being reopened and new routes are being introduced. Through this, the sector that was once a powerful contributor in the country’s economy is being revived,” he added.

The minister appreciated the leadership and foresight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in resolving the maritime disputes with neighbouring countries Myanmar and India and said it created better opportunities for the use of Bangladesh's maritime resources.

Among other speakers, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said, “Necessary steps have been taken to free all the occupied rivers of the country and restore the navigability of them. Despite various problems and limitations, waterways are now much safer and more environment friendly than before.”

The new online service of the Shipping Department was inaugurated at the event.

SR Shipping Limited for Ship Acquisition, PHP Ship Recycling for Green Ship Recycling, Hawk & Sons Limited for Ship Fair Employment, Bangladesh Marine Academy for Maritime Training and Sagare Jazagad for Sagare were awarded for special contributions in the shipping sector.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Shipping Major (Retd) Rafiqul Islam Bir Uttam, Bangladesh Ocean Going Ship Owners Association Bangladesh President Azam among others spoke at the event.