CA urges integrated transport system without harming environment

Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for the accelerated development of an integrated communication network combining road, rail, air and waterways, without causing harm to nature, the environment or rivers.

He made the call on Sunday, November 2, while chairing an inter-ministerial meeting on the “Central Integrated Multimodal Transport Sector Master Plan of Bangladesh” held at the State Guest House Jamuna.

“Our transport system is currently in a state of complete disarray,” the Chief Adviser said. “If we cannot bring it under order soon, the entire system will turn into a noose around the neck of our economy.”

He emphasised, “We must carry out this work without causing any damage to the environment. Rivers must not be harmed; we must keep the waters calm, remembering that water is one of our greatest resources.”

During the meeting, the Roads and Highways Department presented a preliminary strategic plan, which had been prepared through mutual coordination among officials from the relevant ministries.

Thanking those involved for their efforts to formulate a plan integrating all modes of transport, Professor Yunus said the initiative had provided a strong initial framework. “Now we must take effective steps to implement it,” he added.

“The entire plan must be devised with economic prosperity in mind,” he further noted. “Alongside domestic planning, regional and global connectivity should also be given due priority.”

“When we think of rivers as a means of communication, we must always remember that our rivers are our lifelines,” the Chief Adviser concluded.