Stafff-Reporter: To keep the navigation normal, 13 bridges around Dhaka including Babubazar bridge will be demolished and rebuilt with full height, said the local government minister Md. Tajul Islam.

He told reporters after a meeting at the local government department's conference room at the secretariat on Sunday (January 31) to review the progress of formulating a master plan to increase the navigability of the rivers around Chittagong's Karnafuli and Dhaka.

The Minister said ,"several bridges have been built over the rivers around Dhaka for smooth water way communications. During the constructions the height of those bridges were not taken into account. There is no alternative but to increase the height of these bridges. Otherwise, the shipping system will be disrupted."

Responding to a question from reporters, he said the bridges that have been identified need to be demolished and rebuilt in order to navigate the area. LGED has already started their work.

Tajul Islam said, "We have been asked to improve the sewerage system. A total of 2,104 industrial set ups along the rivers have been identified. Of these, action has been taken against those who do not have ETP. Several factories have already been sealed off and many have been fined.

Among others, present at the meeting were, Water Resources Minister Zahid Faruk, Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Gazipur City Corporation Mayor Md Jahangir Alam and LGRD Senior Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed.