Safe Operation of Inland Water Passengers' Vessels in Bangladesh: Challenges and Policy Options

Author: A S M Abdul Baten
DOI: 10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1068
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The safety aspect of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector in Bangladesh lacks appropriate attention since long. This is often reflected through disastrous incidents at rivers with loss of valuable life and property. This study aims to identify the challenges faced by operators during the operation of passengers’ vessel in the rivers of Bangladesh and to confirm the appropriateness of the existing governance processes in the IWT sector. The study involves a diagnostic approach using the conceptual framework, where independent variables: Governance, Human elements and Technical aspects of vessels’ operation have been examined by the data collected from both primary and secondary sources. This study finds a number of active and hidden challenges. Some of these challenges are caused by weak regulatory frameworks, absence of Classification Society, poor design/construction of vessels, improper training etc. As a result, accidents of different magnitudes take place, which needs to be addressed by policy-level decisions to make the IWT sector a more acceptable and safer branch of transportation in Bangladesh. The significance of the study lies in the fact that these findings shall be useful guidelines for updating the current strategies for the safe operation of IWT vessels and support different national and international commitments (8th 5YP, SDGs etc.).