The government will take special and coordinated measures to address longstanding challenges and accelerate the development of Bangladesh’s maritime sector, Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said on Thursday.
He said Bangladesh has several institutions and a skilled workforce capable of supporting the maritime industry, but previous efforts failed to adequately address the sector’s challenges and realise its full potential.
“Work has now begun. Through coordinated efforts, special measures will be taken to develop this promising sector,” he said.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking World Maritime Day 2026 and the 64th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Marine Academy at the academy in Anwara, Chattogram.
Highlighting the contribution of seafarers, Sheikh Rabiul Alam said maritime professionals play a vital role in transporting essential goods and maintaining global connectivity despite spending long periods away from their families.
He said the nature of their work helps seafarers develop mental resilience and professional discipline.
“Only 18–20 per cent of the global workforce supplies essential goods to people across the world while operating in an area where around 70 per cent of the Earth is covered by water,” he said, describing seafarers as an important link between people and nations.
The minister said Bangladeshi seafarers represent the country internationally and contribute to strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the global maritime industry.
He acknowledged that despite having knowledge, expertise and institutions in the sector, Bangladesh has yet to achieve the desired level of progress.
“There is no shortage of knowledge or understanding among those working in this sector. But our achievements have remained somewhat below expectations. We will work to improve these outcomes,” he said.
Ports as future economic hubs
Sheikh Rabiul Alam said Chattogram and Mongla ports have the potential to become major economic hubs and play a greater role in Bangladesh’s trade and economic development.
He said technology-based initiatives had already been introduced to modernise Chattogram Port.
As a result, the port’s handling capacity has increased, while cargo unloading time and the average turnaround time for vessels have declined significantly, he said.
The minister, however, stressed that technological development alone would not be enough and called for changes in institutional and professional attitudes.
“A positive change in mindset is now essential. Without such a change, all our efforts may collapse,” he said.
Marine cadets’ employment concerns
The minister also addressed concerns over employment opportunities for Bangladesh Marine Academy graduates, particularly the challenges cadets face after completing their training.
He said he would take prompt action if specific problems related to the effective utilisation of the one-year internship programme for graduates and cadets’ employment opportunities were brought to his attention.
The programme was attended by Sarwar Jamal Nizam MP, Shipping Secretary Zakaria, and Director General of Shipping Commodore Shafiul Bari, who also addressed the gathering.
The Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority, representatives of shipowners and shipping agents, and representatives of maritime organisations from Singapore, China and Cyprus were also present.
