25th North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission conference begins in Chattogram
The event was attended by the director of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), representatives of member states of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission, diplomats, and senior military and civilian officials.
The 25th international conference of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission (NIOHC), organised by the Bangladesh Navy, began in Chattogram today (11 May).
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hasan inaugurated the three-day conference as the chief guest.
The event was attended by the director of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), representatives of member states of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission, diplomats, and senior military and civilian officials.
The conference is being chaired by Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, assistant chief of naval staff (operations) of the Bangladesh Navy and chairman of both the National Hydrographic Committee and the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission.
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In his inaugural speech, Admiral Nazmul Hasan underscored the need to establish a "National Hydrographer" as an independent hydrographic authority at the national level, in line with other maritime states around the world.
He said the "National Hydrographer" would serve as a coordinating and regulatory authority for Bangladesh's overall hydrographic activities.
According to the naval chief, such an initiative would strengthen maritime security by ensuring the safe navigation and movement of commercial and other seagoing vessels.
He added that it would also play an important role in blue economy activities and coastal area management.
During the conference, participating countries presented the progress, achievements and future plans of their respective hydrographic activities.
Delegates also held detailed discussions on mutual coordination, technical cooperation and training assistance in hydrographic activities among countries of the North Indian Ocean region.
The North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission, established in 2002, is one of the 15 regional commissions under the International Hydrographic Organization.
Its activities cover the North Indian Ocean region, stretching from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Member states taking part in the conference are Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Cooperating states include Australia, France, Oman, Mauritius, Seychelles, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Russia, Malaysia and Sudan are participating as observer countries.
Representatives from several international organisations and senior officials from hydrography-related commercial institutions are also attending the conference.
Bangladesh is currently serving as chair of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission for the 2025–2027 term.
