Published: 11:34 AM, 12 May 2026
‘Naval Safety Week’ inaugurated to raise public awareness
The inaugural ceremony of the weeklong “Naval Safety Week-2026,” organized by the Department of Shipping under the theme “Safe Waterways, Protection of Life and Property,” was held on Sunday (May 10) at the Dhaka Ladies Club in Ramna, Dhaka. Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam MP attended the event as the chief guest. State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Md. Razib Ahsan and Shipping Ministry Secretary Md. Zakaria were present as special guests. Among others present were the Director General of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), the Chairman of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), senior officials from various maritime-related agencies, representatives of vessel owners’ and workers’ organizations, journalists, and cultural activists.
The event was chaired by the Director General of the Department of Shipping, Commodore Md. Shafiul Bari (ND), OSP, NDC, PSC, BN. The programme began at 10 am with the arrival and seating of the guests, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran and its Bangla translation. A public awareness video demonstrating the use of life-saving and firefighting equipment was also screened during the event.
In his speech, chief guest Sheikh Robiul Alam MP said the government is committed to ensuring that the country’s waterways become completely safe and passenger-friendly. He emphasized strict compliance with navigation rules and regulations, prevention of overloading passengers, and ensuring the availability of essential safety equipment on all vessels. He also stated that the government would continue initiatives to strengthen public awareness, vessel registration activities, and technology-based monitoring systems to ensure safe water transport.
Special guest Md. Rajib Ahsan said that collective awareness among vessel owners, operators, workers, and passengers is essential for ensuring safe waterways. He urged all stakeholders to play responsible roles in establishing discipline and implementing safety measures in the maritime sector.
Speaking at the event, Shipping Ministry Secretary Zakaria said the government has undertaken various initiatives to make the country’s water transport system more modern, accountable, and technology-driven. He stressed the importance of increasing field-level monitoring and expanding digital services to ensure maritime safety.
In his presidential speech, Commodore Md. Shafiul Bari said ensuring safe waterways is not solely the responsibility of the government, but also a shared responsibility of vessel owners, workers, passengers, and all related stakeholders. He noted that a nationwide vessel census had identified a large number of unregistered watercraft, and efforts are underway to bring them under official registration.
He further said that modern and technology-based maritime safety systems are being developed through the introduction of digital number plates, online services, mandatory life jacket usage, and the LTMS software system. These initiatives, he expressed hope, would help ensure discipline, transparency, and accountability in the maritime sector.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with a cultural performance and refreshments for the guests. According to the organizers, various awareness campaigns, inspection drives, discussion meetings, and promotional activities on vessel safety will be conducted across the country throughout Naval Safety Week-2026.
