Commitment to build a world-class maritime Bangladesh from policy to implementation

National

Staff Reporter

Published: Sunday, 27 September 2026

“From Policy to Practical Application: Achieving Excellence in the Maritime Sector”—under this theme, World Maritime Day 2026 was celebrated in Bangladesh. At the event, a commitment was expressed to build a safe, modern, technology-driven, environmentally friendly and internationally standard maritime sector.

On Sunday morning, at an event organized by the Department of Shipping under the supervision of the Ministry of Shipping at a hotel in the capital, the chief guest was Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Sheikh Rabiul Alam MP. The special guest was Chief of Bangladesh Navy Admiral Khandaker Mesbah-ul-Azim.

Speakers said that not only legislation or ratification of international conventions, but the practical implementation of policy must be ensured through safe ships, modern ports, skilled sailors, an effective regulatory system and environmental protection.

At the event, alongside the modernization and capacity increase of the country's ports, Matarbari Deep Sea Port was highlighted as important infrastructure for future trade and supply systems. It was informed that the port, moving forward with the target of starting operations in 2029, will be able to directly receive large mother vessels.

Highlighting progress in the ship recycling sector, it was informed that after the Hong Kong International Convention came into effect, 24 ship recycling yards in the country have achieved compliance and 20 more yards are in the process of certification.

In addition, emphasis was placed on a national action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vessels, the use of low-carbon fuel, electrification of port operations and environmentally friendly ship recycling.

Maritime education and training, participation of women sailors, rapid rescue operations in maritime accidents, and expansion of digital registration and tracking systems for inland vessels were also highlighted at the event.

The Chief of Bangladesh Navy said that maritime security and maritime prosperity are interrelated. It is essential to ensure a safe and stable maritime environment for the development of ports, maritime trade, fisheries resources, offshore resources and the blue economy.

Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Zakaria, Director General of the Department of Shipping Commodore Md. Shafiul Bari, along with government officials, port authorities, shipowners, shipping companies, sailors, maritime educational institutions and relevant stakeholders were present at the event.