Bangladesh yet to fully tap maritime potential: Shipping minister
The government had already identified several obstacles in the sector and would take steps to remove them, he says.
Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said that Bangladesh has significant potential in the maritime sector but has failed to fully utilise it due to a lack of coordinated efforts among stakeholders.
"We had significant potential, but we could not harness it. However, I am no longer thinking about why we could not do it. We now want to make it happen," he said while addressing an event marking World Maritime Day 2026 and the 64th Raising Day of Bangladesh Marine Academy on its academic premises in Chattogram today (24 September) .
Rabiul said, "We have no shortage of institutions [maritime-related]. "What we lack is coordinated effort, consideration of the greater national interest, and commitment to developing and establishing this promising sector".
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The minister also said the government had already identified several obstacles in the sector and would take steps to remove them.
He said improving port efficiency and maritime services was essential to capitalise on growing international trade and investment.
Referring to developments at Chattogram port, he said, "We want to bring in organisations that know and understand port and container handling globally so that we can improve technologically and compete with major ports around the world."
Highlighting difficulties faced by maritime cadets in securing the mandatory one-year sea training for employment, he said, "We have to find out how we can ensure that cadets get on ships immediately after completing their training and fulfil the required one year of sea service."
He also said the government was working with the foreign ministry to address visa-related problems faced by Bangladeshi seafarers seeking jobs abroad.
Shipping Secretary Zakaria said Bangladesh ranks eighth globally in population and fifth in manpower exports but is around 50th in supplying maritime professionals.
"We want to come within the top 10 in the future, and the government is taking all necessary steps to achieve that," he said.
Captain Md Anam Chowdhury, president of the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers Association, called for stronger enforcement of international maritime regulations, world-class seafarer training and greater adoption of green and digital technologies.
