DHAKA, July 7, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh has formally submitted its candidacy for re-election to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the 2026-27 term, reaffirming its commitment to promoting safe, secure, and sustainable maritime practices globally.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Mohammad Yusuf presented Bangladesh’s candidacy at the IMO headquarters in London today, said a press release here. 

Bangladesh will contest under Category C, where 27 countries are competing for 20 seats reserved for nations with special interests in maritime transport and navigation. 
The IMO Council elections are held biennially across three categories, with elected members serving a two-year term.

Present at the event were Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK and Permanent Representative to the IMO Abida Islam, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, and representatives from various member states.

Speaking at the event, Yusuf said Bangladesh, as a maritime nation on the Bay of Bengal, plays a crucial role in global maritime trade, supported by its strategic location and maritime heritage. 

Chattogram Port and the Matarbari Deep Sea Port are emerging as regional hubs, contributing to the connectivity and economic development of South Asia, he added.

Since joining the IMO in 1976, Bangladesh has consistently advocated for safe and environmentally sustainable shipping. 

Highlighting Bangladesh’s shipbuilding sector and its 21,000 strong seafaring workforce across the globe, including a growing number of women, the shipping secretary said these represent the country’s enduring commitment to maritime excellence.

He also noted that Bangladesh is a global leader in environmentally sound ship recycling, currently supplying nearly half of the global capacity in the sector.

“Bangladesh remains committed to representing the interests of Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, Landlocked Developing Countries, and climate-vulnerable nations within the IMO framework,” Yusuf said.

As part of its candidacy pledges, Bangladesh has committed to promoting safe and inclusive maritime practices, supporting green ship recycling, empowering women in the maritime industry, and strengthening regional and global maritime cooperation.

The IMO, a specialized UN agency, is responsible for ensuring maritime safety and security and preventing pollution from ships, aligning its activities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Currently, the IMO has 176 member states and three associate members.