Planning Minister M A Mannan MP has laid emphasis on conducting extensive survey and research for proper exploration and utilisation of maritime resources for the sake of the country's sustainable development.
He was speaking at a day-long international conference, titled "Sustainable Blue Economy for the Development of Bangladesh". It was held at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban auditorium in the Dhaka University (DU) campus on Wednesday.
DU Oceanography Department, Blue Economy Cell of the government, Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research And Development (BIMRAD) and GreenTech jointly organised the programme.
DU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman presided over the inaugural function of the conference, where the planning minister was the chief guest.
Prof. Dr. Md. Kawser Ahmed of DU Oceanography Department delivered the keynote speech on the occasion.
The function was also addressed by Deputy Head of Mission of German Embassy Michael Schultheiss, Executive Director of GreenTech Foundation Bangladesh Lutfor Rahman, and Chairman of DU Oceanography Department Md. Jobaer Alam.
A number of academicians, researchers and professionals from home and abroad participated in the conference.
The planning minister further said, "The Bay of Bengal has enormous resources, but we do not have adequate ideas and information about these resources."
"We need to conduct extensive survey and research to ensure sustainable development through proper utilisation of the potentials of the sea and marine resources."
He also hoped that the teachers and students of DU Oceanography Department will come forward with specific plans and projects to further explore the country's marine resources.
The DU VC in his speech emphasised undertaking collaborative survey and research activities to explore seabed resources for ensuring optimum output of sustainable Blue Economy in Bangladesh.
He called upon the students, researchers and academicians of DU to work together with Bangladesh Navy in this regard. He also stressed the need for framing a time-befitting 'Ocean Policy'.
State Minister of Ministry of Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury MP, and State Minister of Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md. Asraf Ali Khan Khasru MP, also attended two separate sessions of the conference.
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