Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the neighbouring countries to work together to curb maritime crimes.
"It is not possible to curb these crimes by a single country... it is possible to uproot these crimes through unified efforts and this is indispensable," she said on Wednesday.
The prime minister made the statement while inaugurating the 14th high-level meeting of the heads of Coast Guards and Maritime Agencies (HACGAM) 2018 at Hotel Radisson Blu in Dhaka.
She said it is essential to ensure the safe plying of water vessels in the sea, for communications and trade, as 90% of foreign trade of Bangladesh is done by sea transportation, reports UNB.
Sheikh Hasina said: "Though regrettable, in our maritime boundaries: human trafficking, illegal arms trafficking, human trafficking, unreported and unregulated fishing, piracy, armed robbery, and many more illegal activities often take place."
She mentioned that not only the local criminals, but also criminals from neighbouring countries, are involved in these criminal activities.
Talking about Bangladesh’s maritime case wins, she said: "If we can extract these resources, several generations in the future will benefit... this will also play huge role in our economy."
Stating that the government has already formulated a Blue Economy policy, she said: "We have started our work to implement this and I believe this will play a significant role in the development of Bangladesh."
About the importance of the ocean, the prime minister said there is a link between the development of human civilization and the ocean—that early human habitation was built centering on seas or waters.
Besides, 70% of global people still live within 100km of the coastline, she said adding that the nearer a society is to the ocean, the better the life of its members.
On the other hand, Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh, as a big Delta, has 12 districts of three divisions situated adjacent to the sea coast.
It is very important to the ensure security of seaside areas as the lives and livelihoods of the people of these districts are primarily dependent on the sea, she said.
Sheikh Hasina hoped that the heads of Asian Coast Guards agencies will be able to find ways and means for future improvement of maritime security by sharing their experiences at the Dhaka meeting.
Bangladesh Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral AMMM Aurangzeb Chowdhury also spoke at the program.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unveiled a postal stamp and an opening-day envelope marking the HACGAM 2018.
