First Digital Vessel Census Begins August

Bangladesh is set to conduct its first technology-driven “Vessel Census 2026” to make the country’s rivers and waterways safer, more modern and better integrated. Jointly conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and the Department of Shipping, the main data collection will take place from August 20 to 29, with 3,469 enumerators collecting information directly through tablets. The entire operation will use Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) and an integrated census management system.

The information was disclosed at a training workshop held on 11 August, Tuesday for divisional, district and upazila-level coordinators at the Statistics Building Auditorium in the capital.

The Ministry of Shipping has developed a technology-based data collection and IT architecture for the census. Under this infrastructure, the Integrated Census Management System (CMS), a web-based integrated platform, will be used to manage field operations, data synchronisation and administrative supervision of enumerators and coordinators.

A Network Operations Centre established at the BBS headquarters will monitor field-level progress and data quality in real time. If any technical difficulties arise during data collection, a central IT support team will take immediate measures to resolve them.

At the training workshop, focal point officer Md Arif Hossain presented the census IT architecture, CAPI-based modern data collection method and real-time monitoring structure through a PowerPoint presentation.

At the opening session, Planning State Minister Jonaed Saki and Shipping Minister Md Rajib Ahsan said the technology-driven database would play a far-reaching role in policymaking, ensuring safety and achieving sustainable development in the country's shipping sector.

The programme was initiated through a memorandum of understanding signed between the Department of Shipping and BBS on August 21, 2025, to establish a database of powered vessels operating in Bangladesh’s maritime, coastal and inland waters.

The first-ever census is expected to serve as a fundamental basis for addressing the shortage of reliable statistics in the country’s riverine transport sector and making the sector more modern and safe.

As preparatory activities, listing and mapping operations were conducted from May 4 to 17, zonal operations from July 9 to 14, and a pilot operation on August 3 and 4 to verify preparations ahead of the main census. These activities included formation of enumeration areas, recruitment of enumerators and preparation of maps.

Special guest Md Firoz Sarker, Secretary of the Statistics and Information Management Division, expressed the expectation that participating officials would effectively apply their acquired knowledge and skills in the field and contribute to producing accurate, reliable and usable vessel statistics.

Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, ND, OSP, NDC, PSC, BN, Director General of the Department of Shipping, said coordinated efforts would be required to identify vessels and collect information from river ports, terminals, factories, dockyards, vessel owners’ locations and remote waterways.

He stressed the need for effective communication and cooperation with local administrations, vessel owners, masters, seafarers and other stakeholders. He also said the Department of Shipping would provide maximum assistance whenever necessary.

BBS Director General Md Shamimul Haque advised trainees to develop a clear understanding of the proper application of every question in the questionnaire, vessel identification, data verification, technology-based data collection and monitoring procedures.

He also instructed officials to maintain honesty, neutrality, professionalism and dedication while treating vessel owners, masters, workers and other relevant people with courtesy and professionalism in the field.

Shipping Secretary Zakaria said the census would be successfully completed through the combined professional expertise and experience of the two organisations, creating a reliable national database for the country’s shipping sector.

Earlier, the preliminary listing operation conducted from May 4 to 17 identified a total of 244,808 powered vessels. Of these, 174,047 were terminal-based and 70,761 household-based. The vessels have been classified into 25 separate categories, including fishing boats, passenger launches, cargo vessels, sand carriers, dredgers and speedboats.
//DBTech/KAB/MSU//