The proposed national budget for the 2026 fiscal year has reduced the allocation for Bangladesh’s Ministry of Shipping to Tk 9,080 crore, down from Tk 10,279 crore in the 2025–26 proposal. This marks a decrease of Tk 1,217 crore. The budget speech outlined ongoing efforts to expand dredging and excavation activities to maintain navigability on key waterways, particularly before the monsoon season. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is conducting emergency dredging to keep internal routes operational.

The speech further emphasized accelerating development at Payra and Mongla ports, expanding land ports, modernizing river ports and launch terminals, and strengthening safety on waterways to improve overall connectivity. It also highlighted plans to modernize vessel registration, enhance sailor training, create employment, and expand digital services to boost institutional capacity.

Major projects such as the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, Chattogram Bay Terminal, Patenga Container Terminal, and Laldia Container Terminal will continue to advance. The government aims to strengthen international trade and integrated water transport through increased port capacity, enhanced dredging, and expanded digital and automation systems.