This green land of South Asia, Bangladesh is incandescent in its own glory. Water, the prime driver of this Bengali civilisation, comes from the northern Himalayas and other mountains thorough crisscrossed rivers that have made this delta a country of six seasons. These rivers have been making this land fertile from time immemorial and they merge with the sea at the southern boundary of the country, the Bay of Bengal.
These rivers exist throughout the history, trade, culture and tradition of 17 crores population living in a land of 1,047,570 square kilometres. Bengali civilisation is developed near river banks of this region. From the very beginning, these rivers have been playing an important role in every chapter of the progress and development of this land. There are about 800 small rivers in Bangladesh with a length of 24,000 square kilometres. The country has 800km coastline, including 1 lac 18 thousand 813 square kilometres of sea area. Besides, we are connected with neighbouring countries through road and land ports.
These hundreds of rivers, seaports and land ports all of which are intimately associated with our public life, trade, transport and social activities. A large part of the economic activities of the country directly depends on the waterway transportation infrastructures. To use our rivers and waterways sustainably, the Ministry of Shipping (MoS), which has become one of the important ministries of Bangladesh, is taking the enormous task to serve the people of Bangladesh more.
It would be wrong if we consider the Ministry of Shipping is restricted to shipping management of goods only. In reality, the Ministry of Shipping has enormous responsibilities to keep the momentum of the country’s economic growth. The expansion and cooperation of maritime trade; management, development and capacity of river ports, seaports and land ports; development and conservation of navigability of inland waterways; vessel management and control, vessel survey and registration; navigation and vessels movement; legislation, necessary education and training; coordination and research related to the ministry; communication with international organisations and signing agreements with different countries and companies are important functions of the Ministry of Shipping.
The vision for multidimensional activities of the ministry is dedicated to ensuring strong port infrastructure, shipping management and maritime services for the sustainable development of the nation.
Objectives of this ministry are:
Modernisation of seaports, river ports and land ports, ensuring smooth navigability of waterways, the creation of skilled manpower in the maritime sector, affordable and safe passenger and commodity transport and facilitate foreign trade expansion.
Rich maritime tradition
Bengalis have a glorious history of about 2,500 years of maritime trade and commerce. From Chattogram, the king Buddha Gupta made a voyage to Malay kingdom with a huge fleet around 400 BC. Rich waterways of Bengal were clearly depicted on famous historian Ptolemy’s ancient map. Old scriptures describe the glory and prosperity of Bengal’s wealth. For thousands of years, the Greek, Arab and Chinese merchants harboured frequently in ports of Bengal with sailing ships. The Chinese monk, Hiuen Tsang mentioned of Bengal’s navy and prosperity in his description. After the Gupta and Pala dynasty, almost a thousand years ago, Arab merchants made the first exclusive supremacy in ports of Bengal and the coastal regions of Bay of Bengal. Because of the world-renowned shipbuilding skills, the Ottoman Empire made warships for its fleet in the 14th-15th century from Bengal. By the advent of European merchants, by the fifteenth century, Portuguese merchants made an authority over Bengali shipbuilding industry. By the end of the 17th and 18th centuries, due to the defeat of other rivals, the British mercantile clan emerged as the sole maritime power throughout India. At that time, the establishment of the modern Chattogram port as the primary port of Bengal was completed by the British authorities. Before the 16th century, the famous ports during the time of ancient Tamralipta were Saptagram and Tamralipta, later, Kolkata and Hughli were born. And in the eighteenth century, the capital of Raja Raj Ballabh was located in Rajnagar on the banks of the Padma, near Chandpur. Besides, Sonargaon, Goalanda got fame as well. The capital city of Bengal, Pundravardhana was situated on the banks of river Korotoa and the historical journey of Chattogram port began in the fourth century. Due to the expansion of trade, all these river ports enjoyed the importance in different times of history, and commercial cities and localities were built close to these ports.
History of MoS
In the modern history of Bengal, the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman first realised the importance of the maritime sector for the development of life and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh. After the great liberation war, destroyed maritime infrastructures were revived in his direct participation, active initiative and motivation. To launch commerce and overseas trade, the main gateway of the country, he restored Chattogram port- the main gateway of the country and added new ships as well in the maritime sector. Peace and stability in people’s overall living were established through the reconstruction of the maritime infrastructures. The visionary leader did not delay to explore the rich potential of the Bay of Bengal in the south of Bangladesh. In the year 1974, nearly a decade before the UN adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III), he promulgated the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act to establish effective rights in the maritime zone of Bangladesh. Not only that, he took ardent initiatives to build a strong navy for Bangladesh to protect the maritime resources. Shortly after the independence, under the leadership of Bangabandhu, the communications ministry was formed in coordination with the railway, shipping and road transport sector. Realising the importance of shipping in the context of Bangladesh, he took the responsibility to lead the ministry of shipping and became the first minister of the ministry. Later, the scope of work for the Ministry of Communications increased significantly by his visionary leadership.
MoS in the modern context
In this age of globalisation, no single country is self-sufficient. Every country exchanges its products and services. Products made in one country address the needs of others. Transportation of goods by road within the country is under the obligation of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority. But EXIM trade has to use one of 22 land ports or 29 river ports or 3 seaports. The responsibility of the management and operation of all of them have been skilfully steered by the Ministry of Shipping for the last 50 years.
Departments and agencies of MoS
Since the scope of the shipping industry is broad and versatile, there are a number of different agencies and departments working at the policy and executive level under the ministry for keeping these activities advanced and dynamic. Each of them has scheduled activities and action plans. Today, the Ministry of Shipping has been emerged as the important ministry by the contribution of these agencies and the departmental coordination.
Under the Ministry of Shipping, there are basically 11 offices or agencies:
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA)
In the colonial era, the first ship operating under the British rule was started in 1834 in the rivers of Bengal, with of Lord William Bentinck Steamer. After a sequential journey, from 1958 onwards, the inland water transport authority of East Pakistan had been operational, which later transformed into BIWTA after the independence. There are 29 river ports in Bangladesh at the moment. The agency is working for maintenance, operation and modernisation of those ports. BIWTA looks after the navigability of all big and small rivers, the canals, and all the waterways in the country.
Under this organisation, several capital dredging works are being implemented at the moment. Researchers are conducting various types of survey work under the Department of Hydrography.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC)
BIWTC’s work is slightly different. This organisation mainly operates in the country’s waterways – ferry services, passenger services, cargo services, ship repair services, and wrecker services. The most important activities of this organisation are the transportation and safety of goods and passengers on various waterways across the country.
The corporation also makes promises for immediate response in search and rescue operation in a catastrophic situation.
Chattogram Port Authority (CPA)
Chattogram port is one of the oldest ports of Bangladesh. With thousands of years of history, this port was built long ago, but CPA’s official journey started in 1888. Importance of this port has been gradually increased and now it is one of the most significant seaports in South Asia.
Chattogram port is the gateway to the country’s economy. 92 per cent of EXIM trade is being handled by this port. CPA, which has cargo and container terminals, is one of the most important departments in the Ministry of Shipping. Its extensive activities spread across the banks of the Karnaphuli river. The port ranks 70th in Lloyd’s list, and for last eight years, this port has advanced 28 notches with unprecedented successes.
Continuous development, empowerment and expansion programmes are underway to keep pace with the way the country’s economy is progressing. Some of the latest technology infrastructure projects are under construction at the moment which will be operational soon. Among them, notable projects are Bay Terminal, Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) and Laldia Multipurpose Container Terminal. The Bay Terminal will be capable of deep seaport services including big vessels berthing.
On the other hand, to facilitate one of the largest economic zones of the country, Mirsarai, a terminal is being developed in Sitakunda.
Mongla Port Authority (MPA)
In 1950, the English trade ship ‘the City of Lyons’ anchored at the ‘Jaimaniir Gol’ of Pasur river. This was the beginning of the Mongla port. This port was officially established in 1951.
Now, this port is going to be equipped with modern gears by the new government initiative. Several infrastructure development activities, including six new jetties, are going on, which will allow Nepal, Bhutan, India, China and others to use the Mongla port facilities. Besides, the construction of new railways and waterways are ongoing, therefore, inland water transport will be faster and easier in the near future.
Payra Port Authority (PPA)
With the prudence decision of the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the third seaport of our country has been established in Patuakhali on the side of the river Rabnabad.
To serve as a modern seaport, the rapid infrastructural development of Payra port is underway and the port will play an important role in fulfilling the country’s increasing commercial needs. The industry focused smart port city will be developed besides the economic zone.
Bangladesh Land Port Authority
Besides waterways, the land route is also very important for transportation. In border areas, land ports play an important role in EXIM trade with India. In addition to this, possibilities of transit facility with India, Nepal and Bhutan are being discussed. Needless to say, in this case, the effectiveness of the land ports will increase even more.
Department of Shipping
The Department of Shipping is a regulatory body. It was established in 1976. This department introduced the Bangladesh Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1983; Inland Shipping Ordinance, 1976; the Bangladesh Flag Vessel (Protection) Ordinance, 1982. It executes the activities given by the government through executive orders. The vision of this department is to create a safe, environment-friendly and effective navigation system for maritime trade. Under this vision, the mission of the department is to ensure the disaster-free transportation in national and international levels, to ensure safe navigation, to conduct surveys, registration, training of sailors, taking examinations, giving certificates and necessary naval management and the formulation and implementation of the maritime laws.
According to the constitution of the department of 1976, Enam Committee Report of 1983 and the government order, the following offices are under the control of the Department of Shipping:
The Mercantile Marine Office: This department provides different types of security certificates including surveys and registration of maritime and coastal vessels, issue of seaworthy certificates to vessels according to Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1983. The office also maintains and manages three lighthouses in Cox’s Bazar, Kutubdia and St. Martin. The country earns about BDT 6 crores from those lighthouses. The number of vessels registered under this department is more than 10,000 and that number includes boats, coaster, passenger ships, tankers, fishing boats and goods carrying boats.
Government Shipping Office: This office was established in 1948. The main responsibility of the office is to ensure a required number of sailor’s appointment and issue of Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) to seafarers.
Seamen Welfare & Emigration Directorate: This office was established in undivided India to protect the sailors from exploitation and deprivation. The main responsibilities of this directorate are to assist the government in implementing the recommendations of the ILO Convention and IMO Convention and to implement various activities related to welfare and entertainment of Bangladeshi sailors abroad.
Registration and Survey Office and Inspectorate of Inland Ships: In order to control the shipping activities under the Inland Shipping Ordinance 1976, there are 4 Registration & Survey Offices and 6 Inspectorate of Inland Ships. These offices act as subordinate field offices of the Department of Shipping. The main role of the office is to test the technical quality of the boat, lifesaving and fire extinguishers. The number of vessels registered in this office, including passenger ships, freight vessels, ferries, tankers, dumb barges, fishing boats, dredgers, sand carrying tugboats etc. is approximately 12,000.
National Maritime Institute: The main objective of this organisation is to develop skilled sailors by training young and working sailors in the light of the IMO Convention and ILO Maritime Convention. Institutes have training courses for 3 to 6 months. From 1990 to June 2014, 2,610 new and 8,875 senior sailors were given advanced training.
Bangladesh Shipping Corporation
On 5 February 1972, this organisation started its journey with the blessings of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The organisation that has 350 active manpower, and as a national flag carrier it has the vision to be the leading shipping company in the region. The mission of this organisation is to provide safe and efficient shipping services on international routes and carry out all forms of activities connected with or ancillary to shipping, thereby contributing to national development.
The main services included in the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) are:
• Break bulk cargo carrying Bangladesh-Pakistan-West Asia Gulf Liner service
• Bangladesh/UK-Continent/Africa Liner Services
• The Bangladesh-Far East-Japan Liner services
• Chartering & Tramping services
• Crude oil carrying and lightering services
• Food grain carrying and lightering services
• Agency services
• Ship repair
• Feeder services
The National Commission for the Protection of the River
Due to the growing population, unawareness and dishonesty, many areas are seen to be occupied by illegal structures. The national commission for the protection of the river is responsible for monitoring these crimes. Apart from dredging for better navigation, this commission conducts various activities to prevent the destruction of the river, fisheries as well as the environment.
Specialised Academic Institutions – Marine Academy and National Maritime Institute in Bangladesh
One of the goals of the ministry is to develop skilled manpower and public resources for the country’s maritime sector. Regular training programmes are being conducted in this regard. Bangladesh Marine Academy, being one of the 14 notable units of World Maritime University, has been producing the world’s top skilled officers and experts for the global maritime sector. The 50-year-old Marine Academy is efficiently operated by the Ministry of Shipping.
It should be noted here that in addition to these institutions, several other public and private institutes are providing maritime education in the country. In this regard, Bangladesh has established the third specialised maritime university in Asia. However, it is noteworthy that these maritime institutes under the Ministry of Shipping continue to make a huge contribution to commercial shipping service.
Present businesses of MoS
There is no alternative to the improvement of the country’s hinterland connectivity in order to deliver imported goods from the port to the consumers faster. For this reason, many megaprojects are being constructed. The Padma Bridge will connect the southern part of the country with the rest by road and by railways. To ease the communication, the construction of another bridge on the Padma, Goalundo-Paturia second Padma Multipurpose Bridge is in the pipeline. The work of Dhaka-Dinajpur four-lane highway has been progressing under the overall connectivity expansion plan with the northern region. On the other hand, Dhaka-Chittagong four-lane access control road is being completed to ensure smooth transportation of goods. At the same time, the four-lane Dhaka bypass road has been modernised. Fast construction of Dhaka Elevated Expressway is going on. To cope up with these developments, the engagement of the ministry is also increased.
In addition to modernisation of Kamalapur Inland Container Depot (ICD), new ICD’s are being constructed in Ishwardi and Dhirashram. Pangaon Inland Container Terminal (ICT) with the latest facilities built in Keraniganj, Dhaka is becoming increasingly important considering the environment and cost-effectiveness of domestic goods transportation. Along with environmental pollution as well as congestion on roads as a result of thousands of transport vehicles. However, congestion-free transportation possible at a much lower cost through Dhaka-Chattogram river routes. It is already declared that another ICT is being built at Khanpur, near Narayanganj. These waterways will become increasingly popular by reducing pressure on roads and railways in the near future.
Implementation time for the short-term plans of the ministry is less than two years. Major projects being implemented are:
• Construction of a 600 metres new terminal named Patenga Container Terminal close to Chattogram Dry Dock in the Karnaphuli river
• New Mooring Over Flow Container Yard Project at Chattogram port
• Dredging of Khulna’s Pasur channel to Rampal
• Development of the Roosevelt jetty infrastructure
• Activation of 400 metres jetty in Sadarghat area of Karnaphuli river and implementation of a dredging project to increase the navigability of the river
• Second New mooring Overflow Container Yard construction project in Chattogram port
• Tugboat collection for ports
• Collection of containers and cargo handling equipment for ports
• Approval of cruise ship collection and design for cruise service between Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The ministry also encourages the involvement of private entrepreneurs in ship collection
In addition to these short-term plans, the Ministry of Shipping has adopted several medium and long-term plans which are being implemented in two to five years. Notable among these are:
• Construction of Bay Terminal at 6 kilometres away in the west coast of Chattogram port and 1 kilometre away from the outer anchorage
• To upgrade Chattogram port as a green port
• Collection of modern containers and cargo handling equipment
• Development and expansion of pilot station in Heron Point and construction of a lighthouse at Jefford Point
• To conduct river governance
• Construction of the advanced and modern light tower
• High-powered modern rescue vessels and car carrier collections
• Construction of Laldia Multipurpose Terminal at Chattogram
• Expansion and modernisation of Mongla port facilities
• Construction of the first terminal, connecting road and accessory facilities for Payra port
• Construction of core port infrastructure in Payra, 10 cargos and four oil tankers building
• Setting up of Differential Global Pointing System (DGPS) in seven scheduled areas
• Buy aircraft for maritime search and rescue
• Construction of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnessa Maritime Complex
• The launch of Pre-Sea Cadet Course at National Maritime Institute
Future expectation
The main contribution of the Ministry of Shipping is to give special attention to the construction of infrastructure in the shipping and maritime service sectors. On the one hand, modernisation and technological upgrade of seaports are ongoing in order to deal with the rising international trade, and on the other hand, the ministry is constructing new jetties to handle the growing pressure on the port for the construction materials of other developing infrastructures in the country. The country’s domestic shipping service has been developed with the development of river ports. New infrastructures are being built for the transportation of commodities in different parts of the country. Side by side, the Ministry has been monitoring its dredging projects to increase the navigability of the rivers. Land ports are not staying behind. Under this ministry, they are also being developed. The Ministry of Shipping has been doing outstanding work to make the country fully prepared for the future.
Hundreds of EPZs are being developed across the country under the ongoing programmes of the government. Each EPZ will be connected with roads, railways and waterways along with border areas or river ports. Alongside the garments industry, shipbuilding and other industrial sectors are rapidly developing in the country. The scope of trade is expanding fast. The new port, deep seaport, various terminal terminals are being constructed to tackle the huge trade. Naturally, the shipping ministry has to play an important role in implementing the vision.
No end in sight: MoS’s contribution to the implementation of Vision 2021, 2041 and Delta Plan 2100
Bangladesh has to go a long way. Vision 2021 and Vision 2041 are the aims of our expectation. Besides, Bangladesh started to work on Delta Plan 2100. Naturally, the Ministry of Shipping has been working to implement these plans for building a strong nation in the maritime world. Its goal is to build world-class ports and to provide world-class port services. With the development of individual, social and overall living standards of the people of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Shipping will continue to keep the national economy’s wheel moving fast. Already, several innovative steps have been taken to increase the ministry’s capacity.
