Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (R.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez -Collage Photo

DHAKA, Oct 4, 2025 (BSS)- International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez held a meeting with Bangladesh's Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (R.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain recently in Dubai,. 

Issues of mutual interests were discussed in the meeting, said an official handout here today.

The shipping adviser highlighted the progress made in Bangladesh in the sustainable ship recycling sector. 
He mentioned that Bangladesh has already taken various steps to adopt environment-friendly technologies, worker safety and meet international standards in ship recycling. 

In addition, scholarships are being provided to students from the Caribbean and African regions in Bangladesh's marine academies, which has been appreciated in the global maritime sector, he said.

The IMO Secretary-General said that the ‘IMO Net Zero Framework’ was drafted in April 2025. 

He hoped this framework will be considered as an important policy guideline for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change in the international shipping sector. 

Dominguez said the draft is likely to be approved by vote at the special session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) to be held later this month. In this regard, the Secretary-General sought the support of the Bangladesh government.

Sakhawat Hussain said Bangladesh has always agreed with global initiatives to combat climate change and maintain environmentally friendly shipping. 

However, Bangladesh will give its official position on this issue after a detailed assessment considering the potential impact on the country's economy, trade and ship recycling sector, he mentioned.

At this time, the Shipping Adviser sought the cooperation and support of the IMO and its member states in favor of Bangladesh's candidacy for membership in the C category in the upcoming IMO Council elections (2026-27). 

The IMO Secretary-General noted that Bangladesh has been playing an important role in maritime transport in the global context. 

He also assured that IMO will continue to provide various technical assistances to Bangladesh in the ship recycling sector.

Both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening mutual cooperation and coordination in the future.