Bangladesh to Hold First-Ever National Vessel Census in August 2026

Bangladesh is preparing to conduct a historic statistical initiative as the country’s authorities gear up for the first-ever national vessel census. The landmark undertaking, officially titled 'Noyajan Shumari 2026', marks a significant milestone in the nation's maritime and transport history by establishing a comprehensive database of all vessels operating within its borders.

According to the official schedule, the nationwide data collection drive for this extensive census is set to officially commence on August 20, 2026. Enumerators and designated officials will fan out across designated locations throughout Bangladesh starting from this date to gather detailed information regarding the country's watercraft fleet.

The monumental project is being collaboratively implemented through a strategic partnership between two key governmental bodies. Specifically, the Department of Shipping and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) are joining forces to jointly conduct and oversee the entire operation, bringing together maritime expertise and professional statistical methodologies.

This cooperative effort under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping aims to ensure thorough coverage and accurate data collection across all relevant waterways. By leveraging the technical capabilities of the BBS alongside the maritime administration of the Department of Shipping, the government intends to establish a reliable foundation for future transport planning and regulatory frameworks.

As the countdown to August 20 continues, preparations for the nationwide rollout remain underway. The conclusion of the data collection phase is slated for August 29, 2026, marking the completion of the field operations for this unprecedented national maritime tally.