Bengali 
English 
As a tactical diplomatic step to enhance its presence in international maritime and in search of a place in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in the 2026-27 term, Bangladesh has officially requested the support of Norway in the Category C group in her quest to become a member of the Council. The program highlights the increment in the interest of Dhaka towards maritime diplomacy, sustainable development, and evolution of the geopolitical architecture of the Indo-Pacific.
In a top-level meeting at Ministry of Shipping on June 18, 2025, the Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain discussed the formal request of Bangladesh with Norwegian Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen. The discussion went not only about the ambitions of Dhaka in the IMO, but it also brainstormed about the potentiality of bilateral interdependencies in provision of ships, maritime sustainability and management of environment.
Dr Hossain looked at how Bangladesh has become an active maritime state as it develops its national seaports, highlighting the Matarbari deep-sea port that is being developed. He said: Location: as a country that lies at the very centre of the Bay of Bengal and along the key Indo-Pacific shipping channels, we are right on the juncture of strategic shipping routes. The strengthening of responsibility and commitment would be represented by our presence in the IMO Council.
Strategic Maritime Ambitions
The IMO Council application is not an independent action by Bangladesh but a part of long-term intentions to influence the process of the global maritime normative development, especially in such directions as climate-resistant shipping and decarbonization. The nation has always been in tandem with the global initiatives towards making the shipping practices safe, secure and environment-friendly.
The shipping adviser says that the candidacy of Bangladesh is supported by the following facts:
- A vibrant shipbuilding and ship-recycling sector
- Employment of over 21,000 certified seafarers
- Growing investment in green maritime technologies
- Ongoing reforms to improve maritime governance and labor rights
Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Norway
Bangladesh has had good relations with Norway in terms of maritime activities as the latter country has gained a lot of respect in all aspects of maritime matters concerning innovation and sustainability leadership. This relationship was restated by Ambassador Gulbrandsen, who noted the improvements made by Bangladesh with regard to the ship-breaking industry and its attempts to improve its environmental compliance.
Norway is also a responsible member in the development of responsible maritime. The ambassador said, we admire the initiative of Bangladesh to accomplish reduction in ecological risks and implementation of the right to workers in dangerous maritime jobs.
Norwegian maritime companies are also exploring to invest in the blue economy of Bangladesh, especially in shipbuilding, marine logistics and offshore services, pointed out he too.
Call for Investment and Partnership
At the meeting, Dr Hossain has invited Norwegian investors to invest into the changing maritime industry in Bangladesh. He emphasized on the transition of the country into developing eco-friendly vessels and more capacity of the countries in designing ships, engineering and sea-going training.
The outreach is timely when the world is experiencing an increasing demand in low-emission maritime solutions, and therefore competitive ship building countries such as Bangladesh are trying to find international partners to expand sustainable production.
On the one hand, both demonstrated progress in the issue, but on the other hand, they shared the view on the necessity of further guarding in resolving the remaining issues, especially in the sphere of worker safety at the ship-recycling yards, many of which are along the Chattogram coast. Norway has shown the desire to provide technical support in context.
Bangladesh specializes to be a Category C member of the IMO council which is the category with special interest in maritime transport or navigation. Being a member of this type would allow Bangladesh to influence the creation of a maritime policy on the global scale as it would have a right to vote on significant resolutions or acts of the IMO which would affect any rules and regulations of international shipping, safety, and environmental practices.
Bangladesh previously served as a member of the IMO Council during the earlier terms and it is now eager to reinstate to the table as the nation starts to gain more national ability and significance in the world arena.
