Network dynamics of Bangladesh inland waterways augmented with complex network analysis of vessels and connectivity

Abstract

The Bengal Delta is considered as world’s largest delta with the three largest rivers flowing across Bangladesh. As the cheapest medium of transportation, inland waterways vehicles play the most significant role in connecting the habitats making them the most economically significant means for goods and human transportation. Several authors have studied transportation and port connectivity networks, but data on developing world connectivity networks is scarce. Previous research focused on river-based connectivity in districts, but lacked vessel frequency information, which is crucial for understanding the significance of ports. The analysis in this chapter is based on an uniquely developed dataset of ports and their vessel frequency giving a more complete picture of port conditions and characteristics of inland waterways of Bangladesh using complex network analysis approach. These findings can be helpful in understanding the waterway structure and modeling socio-economic factors that are affected by inland waterways transportation. ©2026 selection and editorial matter, Md Atiqur Rahman Ahad, Anton Nijholt, Md Abdus Samad Kamal, Björn Schuller, Matthew A. Turk; individual chapters, the contributors.