Traffic congestion is one of the major problems in Dhaka city. Because of traffic jam it takes 2-3 hours to reach from Gulshan-Banani to Banglamotor, Panthapath and Karwan Bazar. If a waterway network is introduced in Hatirjhil-Gulshan-Banani Lake then it will be easier to cover this area in half an hour that’s too in a reasonable price. Besides building an attracting walkway will make it increase its popularity as a public space. On 28^th March 2016 Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA), Bangladesh Institute of Planners (B.I.P), Department of Urban and Regional Planning of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust jointly organized a view exchange meeting on ‘Proposal on Developing a Waterway Transport and walkway between Banani, Baridhara, Rampura and Sonargaon Hotel through Hatirjheel and Gulshan Lake’ on the basis of research done by interns of Department of Urban and Regional Planning of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, at VIP Lounge of National Press Club and speakers of the program expressed the above view.

At the beginning of the discussion research team member Sumaiya Tabassum, Sadia Chowdhury, Mahjabin Rahman, Kashfia Nehrin, Ahmed Jakariya said that, an internal waterway network in Hatirjhil-Gulshan-Banani Lake will be very helpful to travel easily in less time and cost. The total distance of the route is 3km. We are proposing 15 taka for this distance considering popular demand and ability. And the waterway network will reduce travel time to twenty minutes from 2/3 hours. 14 landing station has been proposed in the research as per the nearest bus stand and public gathering. Moreover attractive walkway to reach the landing station and around the lake should be built which will be accessible for all and there should be enough lighting, shade, sitting arrangement and trees in the walkway.

The meeting was presided by Abu Naser Khan, Chairman, POBA, said that, our indiscreet planning has resulted to the destruction of water bodies. If Hatirjhil-Gulshan-Banani Lake is protected and developed properly then it will be helpful to develop environmental condition. It will serve the purpose of both travel and public space.

Aminur Rasul, Member Secretariat, Unnayan Dhara Trust, said that, this waterway network will be helpful to reduce the travel time. This waterway transport should be included in the master plan regarding Hatirjhil. And the landing stations must be accessible for all and pedestrian friendly.

Hafizur Rahman Moyna, Chairman, Nagorik Odhikar Shongrokkhon Forum, said that, according to this research a number of people have suggested the need of waterway transport. So the specific proposals of the research should be sent to the relevant authority.

Planner Fazle Reza Suman, Assistant Chairman, Bangladesh Institute of Planners (B.I.P) said that, multimodal transportation system is very essential to reduce the pressure from road. Media can play an important role to campaign in this issue. Waterway network will play an important role to make this city liveable.

Abdullah Al Qafi, Member, Central Committee, Bangladesh Communist Party, said that, the proposed waterway network should be coordinated with other transportation system and enough water boats should be provided. And it should be considered that the quality of water does not degrade.

Md Jakir Hossain, Joint Secretary, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) said that, it is essential to decentralize Dhaka. We must stay away from destroying environment in the name of development.

Maruf Hossain, Program Manager, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, said that, travel time can be reduced by Hatirjhil-Gulshan-Banani Lake waterway network. And an attracting walkway from there will encourage people to conduct trip by walking.

Gaous Pearee, Director, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, said that, as our plans always focus a specific group of people so over all development process is being hampered. Participation of the young generation in the development process is really encouraging.

Other speakers of the discussion meeting were Mohiuddin Ahmed, Passengers Welfare Association; Sadia Sharmin Urmi, Clinical Psychologist; Helal Ahmed, Protyasha Anti Drug Club; Poet Lili Haq and many more.