Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University (BSMRMU), earlier served as chairman of the Mongla Port Authority and director of the Blue Economy Cell of the government. As Bangladesh celebrates World Oceans Day today, he shares his views on the prospects of Bangladesh's maritime sector and the blue economy with Dhaka Tribune's Senior Reporter Ali Asif Shawon.
Dhaka Tribune: Please tell us something about Maritime University.
Mohammad Musa: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University (BSMRMU) is the first of its kind in the country and the third in South Asia. Its academic activities began in 2016. Since the beginning, this university has become the centre of maritime education and research and is producing skilled manpower in the maritime sector. Marine resources, deep sea fishing, maritime tourism, and shipping… there are a lot of opportunities in this sector. More than 200 students have completed their studies here and joined several domestic and international marine jobs. As a top educational institution, we are providing marine education and research to meet the government's goal to unveil our vast prospects for the blue economy.
What are the prospects of the blue economy in Bangladesh?
The energy crisis is rising worldwide, and we are also facing difficulties. The government made a roadmap for the blue economy in 2014 by accommodating all organizations concerned. But in particular, we did not achieve much from our vast maritime boundaries. Though we have a vast maritime area, we have not explored and exploited our marine resources yet. I think we need to put more focus on our maritime sector. The organizations that are working with the roadmap of the blue economy need to play a more active role in exploring and getting natural resources from the sea. For example, in the fishing sector, we are just doing shallow-water fishing; deep sea fishing is not really happening here. We need to know in which area we can go for deep sea fishing and what types of vessels are needed for it. Our neighbouring countries are earning foreign currency from deep-sea fishing, but we have not given much attention to this sector. In addition, despite having the longest sea beach in the world, we have failed to attract foreign tourists due to an absence of proper facilities and structured tourism. Passenger cruiser facilities are still missing here in Bangladesh.
What are the prospects for our marine resources in the Bay of Bengal?
There is a possibility of getting energy, including gas and oil from our offshore blocks, which are still untouched. We can also get renewable energy. There is a possibility of getting seaweed, which can be used to make medicine. We should promote maritime tourism. We should make our islands and sea beaches more attractive and tourist-friendly. Bangladesh's economy is growing, and we have more than 118,000 square kilometres of maritime area. Now we need to utilize them. So we need smart people to utilize this sea area, and the university is working to provide better resources.
What should Bangladesh's role be in the Indo-Pacific region given the interests of the US, China and other countries here?
First of all, our country's interests are more important. Global superpowers will try to do their best, but we are committed to our own foreign policy. We should give priority to our own interests first.
What can this university provide for our maritime sector?
We have seven faculties on shipping, oceanography, maritime law, marine engineering, naval architecture, and related issues. We are creating a strong pool to serve the maritime sector. When our graduates join the maritime sector, they will serve more professionally with their academic knowledge, field training and laboratory experience.
Do you think this university can comply with the upgraded maritime capability of Bangladesh?
Our university is closely working with all maritime institutes. We are getting support from the Navy, Coast Guard, ports, shipping line, customs and environment sectors. Here, the Oceanography Department is teaching students on how to handle the natural crisis in our coastal areas and sealine. Bangladesh is one of the disaster-prone countries and we are providing teaching on building our resilience. In addition, Navy officers also teach here in our university as experts, and so our students directly learn from expert experience apart from the academic lessons.
Is there any opportunity for older persons or professionals in your university?
We are welcoming them to some short courses. Professionals can be educated here on port management, traffic management, and maritime law in some small courses. We have an institute, the Institute of Bay of Bengal; professionals can join there also. Even mariners who are working abroad can join our distance program. Right now, our permanent campus is under construction in Chittagong. When the new campus opens, we will be able to provide facilities to more students.
