Bangladesh emerging as rising maritime nation: Shipping Adviser

Bangladesh has transformed from a coastal economy into a rising maritime nation through modernisation, innovation, and sustainable development, said Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain.

Speaking at the opening session of the 34th General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London on 24 November, he said Bangladesh’s identity and future are “inseparably tied to the sea.” A ministry press release issued today (25 November) highlighted his remarks.

Sakhawat outlined the rapid digital and infrastructural upgrades at the country’s major seaports — Chattogram, Mongla, and Payra — and underscored the significance of the under-construction Matarbari deep-sea port, which will link South Asia directly to global trade routes.

He emphasised Bangladesh’s skilled maritime workforce, noting that more than 21,000 Bangladeshi seafarers uphold the nation’s reputation worldwide. “They are not just workers; they are Bangladesh’s envoys at sea,” he said.

The adviser also described Bangladesh’s active role in IMO committees and its commitment to implementing fair and transparent global maritime regulations. Citing Nobel laureate and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s “three zero” philosophy—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions—Sakhawat said this vision guides the country’s future development.

He highlighted the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 and the Blue Economy Roadmap as long-term foundations for maritime progress, along with ongoing initiatives to modernise ports, strengthen search-and-rescue capacity, and improve port services.

Bangladesh is contesting in “Category C” for a seat on the IMO Council for the 2026–27 term. Calling on representatives from 175 member states to support Bangladesh’s bid, Sakhawat stressed the country’s achievements in ship recycling, shipbuilding, maritime trade, and world-class maritime training.

He noted that Bangladesh has launched 10 annual scholarships for seafarers from small island and least developed countries to enhance global cooperation and skill development.

If re-elected to the IMO Council, Bangladesh plans to advocate for fair access to technology and financing for developing maritime nations, strengthen seafarer training and capacity building, and support climate-resilient, low-carbon shipping.

Throughout the assembly, Bangladesh showcased its role in global maritime affairs through various programmes, discussions, and networking events.

During bilateral meetings, Sakhawat discussed enhanced maritime cooperation with Pakistan’s Minister of Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar, with talks covering trade between Chattogram and Karachi ports and collaboration between the national shipping corporations of both countries. Both sides exchanged invitations for official visits.

In a separate meeting with Belize’s Minister of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics Michelle Chebat, discussions focused on ship recycling, maritime trade, and training opportunities. Bangladesh offered open scholarships at Chattogram Marine Academy for cadets from Caribbean and small island nations, an opportunity Belize welcomed.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to London Abida Islam and Department of Shipping Director General Commodore Md Shafiul Bari were also present at the session.