Speakers at a seminar in Chittagong yesterday underscored the need for forming an integrated marine policy to boost blue economy, a process which is intended to bring natural ecosystems and economy into harmony and create jobs.
They suggested that all forces, institutions and bureaucratic bodies related to the marine sector work together for its development. They also pointed out that lack of coordination amongst the bodies hinders the expected development.
On the last day of a two-day seminar titled “Safeguarding and Harnessing Maritime Resources of Bangladesh – a strategic road map for economic security” organised by the Chittagong Naval Flotilla, Naval high officials and noted marine specialists of the country made these observations.
The seminar was held at the Chittagong Naval Base BNS Isha Khan’s Command Mess Auditorium where Chief of Naval Staff Vice-Admiral M Farid Habib addressed the gathering as chief guest and Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Maritime Affairs Unit Secretary Rear Admiral (retd) M Khurshed Alam spoke as special guest in the closing session.
On the closing day, the special guest, Petrobangla’s former Director (PSC) Muhammad Imaduddin, Bangladesh Navy Dhaka (administration) Commodore Shamsul Alam and Marine Care Consultants BD Limited Managing Director, Captain M Zillur Rahman presented their respective keynote papers.
The chief guest said the Bangladesh Navy was working hard to protect its maritime boundary and resources and their services would be more geared up after introducing more logistics and manpower with the forces step by step.
The special guest said the government was, with its all bodies, working to maintain the marine sector, but would take time to see any development.
He emphasised on creating mass awareness over marine resources and economy which is the vital factor for the development.
Speakers said sea and ocean were drivers for the national economy and have great potential for innovation and growth. Over 70% of our planet is covered by oceans and 90% of the world’s trade was sea-based.
As disputes over maritime with India and Myanmar has been resolved, it is necessary for Bangladesh to conduct a survey to know the exact maritime resources, they opined.
