On April 24, 2019, in an effort to promote and understand the potential of the blue economy for Bangladesh's development, the Department of Oceanography and ICOG at the University of Dhaka, in collaboration with the GreenTech Foundation, hosted an international conference titled ―Sustainable Blue Economy for the Development of Bangladesh.‖ The event was held at the prestigious Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban at University of Dhaka.
The inaugural session was gracefully presided over by the Honorable Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman. The conference was privileged to have Mr. M. A. Mannan, MP and the Honorable Planning Minister of the Government of the People‘s Republic of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest. Adding weightage to the occasion, the State Minister of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Md. Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru MP; Professor Dr. A.F.M Ruhul Haque MP; Md. Raisul Alam Mondal, Secretary of Fisheries and Livestock; Mr. Md. Abdus Samad, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping; Mr. Daniel VAIN, Country Director of the French Agency for Development; Mr. Michael Schultheiss, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany; and H. E. Mr. Crisanthe De Silva, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Dhaka, graced the event as special guests.
The focal point of the conference was the keynote address by Professor Dr. Md. Kawser Ahmed, Director of the ICOG. His insights illuminated the potential, challenges, and strategic importance of a sustainable blue economy for Bangladesh, providing a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders alike.
The audience was warmly welcomed by Mr. Md. Jobaer Alam, the Chairman of the Department of Oceanography. His poignant opening remarks highlighted the pressing need for harnessing the vast marine resources responsibly and sustainably. As the conference progressed, various thought leaders, academics, and industry experts shared their perspectives, enriching the dialogue. The event concluded with Mr. Alam's closing remarks, encapsulating the day's discussions and emphasizing the collective responsibility to drive forward the blue economy agenda for the nation's prosperity.
The conference highlights Bangladesh's involvement in the exploration and sustainable use of its marine resources, with a focus on environmental sustainability and economic progress. This confirms the country's ambition to become a global leader in sustainable maritime governance.
