Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has underscored the need for integrated and balanced development of Bangladesh’s road, rail, air, and water transport systems, stressing that progress must not come at the expense of nature, the environment, or rivers.

“Our transport system is in a very fragile state. If we do not bring it under proper order soon, it could become a serious impediment to the economy,” he said at an inter-ministerial meeting on the Central Integrated Multimodal Transport Sector Master Plan of Bangladesh held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday.

He emphasised implementing the master plan without harming the environment. “We cannot damage the rivers. Water must remain calm. We must remember that water is a tremendous resource for us,” Prof Yunus said.

The Roads and Highways Department presented a preliminary strategic plan formulated in coordination with officials from relevant ministries. The plan envisions integrating all modes of transport through limited but targeted upgrades and additions, making better use of the existing rail, road, and waterway networks.

Expressing gratitude to officials for their coordinated efforts, the Chief Adviser said the initiative provides a solid framework for future transport development and called for swift implementation. He also stressed that the plan should promote economic growth while enhancing regional and global connectivity.

“When we consider rivers as a transport mode, we must remember that rivers are our lifeline,” he said.

Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud noted that in some areas, building just a few small roads could bring entire regions under national connectivity.

LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud said his ministry has launched a planners’ wing to make local government projects more structured and effective.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said three new ports in Chattogram are expected to become operational by 2030, stressing the need to ensure quick and efficient road links to these facilities.

Advisers Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan (Road Transport and Bridges), Sk Bashir Uddin (Civil Aviation and Tourism), and Brigadier General (retd) Sakhawat Hossain (Shipping), among others, were present at the meeting.