Maritime professionals, legal experts and industry leaders have called for stronger legal safeguards, effective regulations and greater international cooperation to protect seafarers, as Bangladesh marked the Day of the Seafarer 2026 with an international seminar in Chattogram.
The seminar, organised by the Bangladesh Maritime Law Society (BMLS), was held at Hotel Agrabad on Thursday under the global theme set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO): “Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks.”
BMLS, a member of the Comité Maritime International, arranged the event to recognize the contribution and sacrifices of seafarers, who play a crucial role in sustaining global trade while facing significant risks at sea.
The seminar was attended by representatives from across Bangladesh’s maritime sector, including shipowners, vessel charterers, port authorities, marine insurers, P&I Clubs, freight forwarders, cargo owners, maritime lawyers, academics and students. Officials from various government agencies, including the Department of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), River Police and other maritime authorities, also took part in the event.
Among the special guests were Capt Sheikh Md Jalal Uddin Gazi, Principal Officer (additional charge) and Registrar of Bangladesh Ships at the Mercantile Marine Office, Chattogram, and Capt Ataur Rahman, Principal of the National Maritime Institute, Chattogram.
The seminar was presided over by Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir, President of BMLS, Supreme Court advocate and Bangladesh’s representative to CMI. Other distinguished speakers included Mohammed Abdul Hye, former Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand; Capt Md Anam Chowdhury, President of the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association (BMMOA); Commodore Syed Ariful Islam, former Director General of the Department of Shipping and Project Lead of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) Bangladesh; and Adv Shweata Mishra, Head of Chambers of MCLaw Services Ltd. and General Coordinator of BMLS.
Delivering the welcome address, Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir highlighted the growing challenges facing the global shipping industry and stressed the importance of maritime law in addressing those issues. He emphasized the need for stronger legal protection for seafarers, more effective regulatory frameworks and enhanced international collaboration to ensure their safety, welfare and rights.
Speakers at the seminar paid tribute to seafarers for their dedication and resilience, noting that they remain the backbone of international trade. Despite transporting the vast majority of the world’s goods, seafarers often work under difficult conditions and face threats ranging from geopolitical conflicts and piracy to accidents and prolonged periods away from their families.
The seminar also focused on exploring legal, regulatory and diplomatic mechanisms available to protect seafarers and strengthen their welfare. Participants discussed ways to enhance cooperation among governments, industry stakeholders and maritime organizations in building a safer, more resilient and sustainable maritime sector.
The event was sponsored by Haque & Sons Ltd., Meghna Group of Industries (MGI), Interport Group, Doria Shipping Limited (DSL), Petromax Refinery Limited (PRL), Brave Royal Ship Management Ltd. and the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association, while MCLaw Services Ltd. served as the technical partner.
The organizers said the seminar reflected the maritime community’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of seafarers and addressing the challenges they continue to face in an increasingly complex global shipping environment.
