DHAKA, June 18 (V7N) – Bangladesh has formally requested Norway's backing for its bid to secure a Category 'C' membership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026-27 term. The appeal was made today during a meeting between Bangladesh's Shipping Adviser, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, and Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen at the Ministry of Shipping.

During the discussion, Dr. Hossain underscored Bangladesh's growing maritime significance. He highlighted the nation's four seaports, including the Matarbari deep-sea port, which is currently under construction with Japanese firms recently contracted for its terminal development. This deep-sea port is expected to significantly enhance Bangladesh's cargo handling capacity and reduce dependency on transshipment ports.

Dr. Hossain further emphasized Bangladesh's strategic location within the context of the Indo-Pacific plan, where it serves as a crucial link between South and Southeast Asia. He noted the country's expanding shipbuilding exports and its active contributions to global maritime policy development, affirming Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to sustainable maritime development and its ambitious goals for carbon-neutral shipping.

Extending an invitation for Norwegian investment in Bangladesh's burgeoning shipbuilding industry, Dr. Hossain pointed out Bangladesh's leading role in ship recycling and its substantial workforce of 21,000 trained seafarers. He also highlighted the nation's efforts in enhancing maritime security and promoting gender inclusion within the sector.

Ambassador Gulbrandsen commended Bangladesh's environmental safeguards in ship breaking, an industry where worker safety remains a key concern, and its proactive efforts in addressing climate change. He acknowledged the long-standing strong partnership between Norway and Bangladesh in maritime development, noting that various Norwegian shipping companies are keen on investing in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is currently serving on the IMO Council for the 2024-2025 term, having been elected for the first time in Category 'C' in December 2023. Category 'C' members are states with special interests in maritime transport or navigation whose election ensures the representation of all major geographic areas of the world. This membership allows Bangladesh to actively participate in the executive body of the IMO, supervising its work and coordinating the activities of its organs, though without the power to make recommendations on maritime safety and pollution prevention which are reserved for the Assembly.

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