News Flash
DHAKA, Sept 09, 2025 (BSS) - Noting that Bangladesh is contesting the upcoming 2026-27 IMO Council elections as a Category 'C' member, Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain today sought the support of Scandinavian countries in this important election for Bangladesh in the international arena.
“Bangladesh was elected to the Category ‘C’ of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2024-25 term and has performed its duties with great efficiency and reputation. In continuation of this, Bangladesh is contesting the upcoming 2026-27 term of the IMO Council election as a Category 'C' member,” he said.
The adviser said this when Norwegian Ambassador to Dhaka Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen met him at his ministry here, said a press release.
On the occasion, the Shipping Adviser reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to the development of the maritime sector of all IMO member states.
The Norwegian Ambassador assured Bangladesh of full cooperation in this regard while seeking Bangladesh’s support in the IMO elections on behalf of Norway.
In response, the Adviser conveyed Bangladesh’s unwavering support for Norway.
During the meeting, the Norwegian Ambassador highlighted the implementation of the IMO Net Zero Framework, which aims to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping sector.
Sakhawat briefed the ambassador on various steps taken by Bangladesh to implement the IMO Convention, protect the environment, combat climate change, develop infrastructure, digitalize operations and prevent marine pollution.
Stating that the government has taken various timely and effective steps to reduce carbon emissions in the maritime sector, the Shipping Adviser said almost two-thirds of the country’s people are directly or indirectly dependent on the sector.
He said automation and modern technology are being introduced in ports to make the maritime sector carbon-free. Initiatives have also been taken to formulate a National Ports Strategy with the support of JICA, he added.
The Adviser said Mongla Port and other ports are being transformed into green ports in phases.
He also said Bangladesh Shipping Corporation is purchasing two dual-fuel ships from China with its own funds to reduce the use of fossil fuels, adding that there are plans to purchase three more modern and environmentally friendly ships.
The government is carrying out a campaign to prevent the use of plastic, Sakhawat said, adding that Bangladesh has made notable progress in environmental protection, occupational safety and health in the ship recycling industry.
He said initiatives have been taken to clean the Buriganga River near Dhaka.
The adviser sought technical and financial assistance from Norway and other Scandinavian countries in these programmes.
He also called on the Norwegian government to provide advanced training to talented mariners and engineers of Bangladesh in Norwegian marine institutes.
The Adviser further urged developed countries to refrain from producing marine engines or other components powered by fossil fuels to prevent environmental pollution in the world’s maritime sector.
The ambassador said Norway has consistently supported the development of the ship recycling industry in Bangladesh, which has already made significant progress.
He said Norway's technical and technological assistance will continue in modernizing this industry and in managing marine and industrial waste.
He also assured cooperation in providing training to those involved in ship recycling.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Mohammad Yusuf was present at the meeting.
