Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said that the current government will ensure science-based sustainable use of the country’s immense potential marine resources. Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Tariq Rahman, we are determined to implement all the action plans of the Sunil economy described in our election manifesto. With the aim of achieving economic growth, job creation, food security, climate resilience, marine resource management, development of marine-based industrial technology, biodiversity protection and marine environment conservation, improvement of the quality of life of coastal communities, research and innovation will be emphasized.

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These words were said in the chief guest’s speech at the ceremonial keel laying of a small research vessel, the first international standard marine research vessel to be built in the country for the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) at Khulna Shipyard on Tuesday (June 16) and also the keel laying of a self-sustained pontoon (Kobash Khadhurham Ibat Basarhu) to be built to support the mooring of the research vessel. He said.

The minister said that the laying of a research vessel is the first step in the construction of a ship. Today’s foundation stone will serve as a solid foundation for Bangladesh’s future journey of oceanography, marine resource exploration, blue-economy and sustainable development. The main objective of establishing the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute was to increase the scientific knowledge about the country’s marine resources and to use that knowledge for national development. We all realize that a modern research vessel of its own for international standard marine research has long been needed. Today we are taking a historic step towards meeting that need.

The minister said that the new research vessel will play an important role in data collection, analysis and policy formulation of ocean-centric issues including marine fisheries, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, tourism. The scientific research vessel can find out where the fish live in our oceans. What is deep in the ocean, where species of organisms live, what kind of environmental changes are taking place, what resources can be the basis of future economic development – these questions require state-of-the-art research infrastructure. Research vessels are one of the most important components of that infrastructure. Referring to the country’s capacity in the shipbuilding industry, the minister said that the research shipbuilding initiative ‘Made in Bangladesh’ is a shining example of the capacity. This will further strengthen our self-confidence and prove that Bangladesh is now not only a ship-using nation, but also a capable and promising ship-building nation.

The Minister of Science and Technology said that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tariq Rahman, priority will be given to the just transition framework in the extraction of marine resources and all economic activities, so that the people do not harm their livelihood and the environment while extracting marine resources or improving the quality of coastal areas. A Marine Innovation Fund will also be established in the education and industry sectors.

Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute Director General Commodore Md. Minarul Haque spoke as the president on the occasion. Rear Admiral AKM Zakir Hossain, Managing Director of Khulna Shipyard Limited gave the welcome speech on the occasion. Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdullah Haroon, Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tajul Islam, scientists and senior officials of Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI), engineers, naval technologists, representatives of development aid organizations, media workers were present in the event.

It should be noted that a construction contract was signed between Khulna Shipyard Limited and Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute under the direct procurement method (UCAG) on February 10, 2023. Under the contract, Khulna Shipyard Limited will construct 01 Small Research Vessel for Sample Collection, 01 Self Sustained Pontoon for Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI). The vessel will be built by Khushili (Khulna Ship Limited) with state-of-the-art drawings and technical assistance from UK-based world-renowned design firm Qabash Gadhatrahab Khaf. It will be engaged in important research work like marine sample collection, scientific research, hydrographic and geological survey, biological, chemical and environmental oceanography, fisheries research etc. in the sea limits of Bangladesh. The boat will be built with world class state-of-the-art machinery, research equipment and labs and under the close supervision of the international standard-setting classification society Itvadhan Thavatrhadhang (ITH).

Later, Minister of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology and Science and Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam visited Khulna Shiromani Bangladesh Cable Industry Limited and exchanged views with officials. Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdullah Harun, Managing Director of Cable Industry Limited Md. Shahidul Islam and various branch officials and CBA leaders were present.