At present it takes at least 2-3 hours to reach Bangla Motor, Panthapath, Karwan Bazar from Gulshan, Banani. But if a waterway transport starts in Gulshan Lake and Hatirjheel the duration can be reduced to half an hour. On 8^th March 2016 department of Urban and Regional Planning, BUET and Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust Jointly organized a view exchange meeting named ‘Proposal on Developing a Waterway Transport Network between Banani, Baridhara, Rampura and Sonargaon Hotel through Hatirjheel and Gulshan Lake.’ and speakers expressed the above view in there. The view exchange meeting was organized on the basis of research done by a group of students of department of Urban and Regional Planning, BUET.

On the paper presentation, Sumaiya Tabassum, Sadia Chowdhury, Mahjabin Rahman, Kashfia Nehrin and Ahmed Zakaria said that, the distance of Sonargaon to Banani Lake is about 3 km. According to the proposal the route can be covered only at 15 taka. The lake has the capacity to contain 4.81 billion water. This can be a solution to the water clogging problem during rainy season. Considering the nearby bus stops and public demand 14 station point has been proposed.

The meeting was presided by Dr. Israt Islam, Head of the Department, Urban and Regional Planning Department, BUET said that policy makers and relevant organizations should be informed about the internal water transport system. Media and citizen should be aware about its importance. Md Musleh Uddin, Associate Professor, Urban and Regional Planning Department, BUET said that, not only cost benefit but the waterway transport service must be comfortable for all.

Abu Naser Khan, Chairman, Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA) said, internal waterway transport system is a real solution. Akter Mahmud, General Secretary, Bangladesh Institute of Planners (B.I.P) said that, if the water bodies are used properly, then it can be used as public space as well as can contribute to transportation.

Mohidul Haque Khan, former General Secretary, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) said that, coordination is a must for this waterway transport and this model can be followed for other lakes and canals too. Debra Efroymson, Regional Director, HealthBridge said that, to reduce the problem of traffic congestion water transportation can be a solution.

Moderator of the program Maruf Hossain, Program Manager, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, said that, Gulshan Lake and Hatirjheel waterway transport will reduce the time duration of journey from 2/3 hours to 30 minutes. Mirajul Moin Joy, Secretary of International Affairs, said that, easy shifting from one mode of transport to another should be considered.

Aminur Rasul, Member Secretary, Unnayan Dhara Trust, said that, this water transport will be helpful to ensure equality. Nikhil Chandra Vadra, Senior Reporter, Daily Kaler Kantho, said that, political will is very important in this regard.  Talukder Rifat Pasha, Assistant Project Officer, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, said that, water transport should be user friendly for all kinds of persons with disabilities.

Moreover, Dr Md Mahbub Alam Talukder, Professor, Accident research Institute, BUET; Gaous Pearee, Director, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, Naznin Kabir, Deputy Program Manager, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust and many others were present in the program.