Mamun, Muhammad Ziaulhaq creator Amin, A.T.M. Nurul text xu| 2000 continuing ng p.111-29 Despite the known risks, homestead settlements continue to be built in the erosion-prone floodplains of Bangladesh. Although this allows easy access to the fertile farmland and water resources located in the vulnerable areas, devastating consequences follow when the rivers overflow and inundate the land. This is a recurring phenomenon in riverine Bangladesh. To overcome this, a development strategy is essential that will allow the cultivation of fertile land and the utilization of water resources in the vulnerable areas, from settlements located a safe distance from flood-prone land. Central to such a development strategy is modernization of the road and water transportation network, especially for commuting between the mainland and charlands. Introducing a fast, frequent, and safe water transport service has the potential of altering the long-prevailing trend of building settlements in marginal and unstable areas with high risks of erosion, floods, and tidal bores. An improved water transportation service proposal is socially acceptable, financially feasible, and economically attractive. Overall, water transport modernization is expected to stimulate the building of settlements in safe areas while promoting ecologically sustainable development in the riverbelts of Bangladesh. - Reproduced Floods - Bangladesh Water resources - Bangladesh Inland water transport Regional Development Studies 180718