[🇧🇩] Blue and Ocean Economy of Bangladesh

[Saif]

Innovation, cutting-edge research can unlock the Bay of Bengal’s potential

Ocean ecosystems provide the fundamental natural resources that underpin the ocean-based economy.

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Innovation, cutting-edge research can unlock the Bay of Bengal’s potential

File Photo: Mohiuddin Ahmed Sagor

The vibrant, ever-expanding ocean economy of Bangladesh is a tapestry of diverse economic sectors. From the bounty of living resources to the untapped potential of mineral and energy reserves, from the bustling networks of maritime trade and transport to the allure of coastal tourism and recreation, leveraging its strategic location to build a regional and global hub of logistics, the three-dimensionality of the Bay of Bengal serves as the common thread that binds these industries together into an intricate, interdependent system.

Ocean ecosystems provide the fundamental natural resources that underpin the ocean-based economy. The distinction between ocean economy and blue economy lies in the fact that the latter encompasses policies designed to foster the sustainable advancement of the economy centred around oceanic resources and activities. Its goal is to achieve economic growth without depleting the overall natural capital and to ensure that the conservation of shared marine resources contributes to economic growth and poverty alleviation. These policies are typically formulated to bolster the three crucial aspects of sustainable development in the context of ocean utilisation: the sociopolitical, environmental, and economic domains.

The Bay of Bengal, the world's largest bay, holds significant strategic and economic value, serving as a key hub for trade, fisheries, and coastal communities. Despite its potential, the region's resources remain underutilised. To fully exploit the blue economy, there is a need for focused scientific research and capacity-building. Countries bordering the bay—including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand—stand to benefit from a collaborative academic and research initiative.

Developing a robust, science-based academic and research programme is key to unlocking the secrets of the Bay of Bengal. By investing in comprehensive physical, biological and chemical oceanographic studies, marine biology, and coastal ecosystem assessments, we can gain a far deeper understanding of the bay's unique environment, resources, and vulnerabilities. This knowledge can then inform evidence-based policymaking and resource management strategies, ensuring sustainable development of the blue economy.

Bangladesh is strategically positioned on the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal, giving it tremendous potential to develop a thriving blue economy. However, realising this blue economy vision faces several key challenges. One of the key challenges is navigating the intricate maritime boundaries and jurisdictions within the bay. Bangladesh's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) shares maritime borders with India and Myanmar, and it is crucial to recognise that this zone is not a self-contained entity, but rather dynamically linked to the entire Bay of Bengal. Consequently, a collaborative and robust academic and research initiative among all the surrounding nations is a vital approach to develop a synergistic and nature-based solution for blue economy.

The Bay of Bengal's ecosystem is facing threats from algal blooms and the formation of Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZ), also known as "Dead Zones," which can have devastating consequences for marine life. Excessive nutrient input from neighbouring rivers—mainly due to agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and poor wastewater treatment—fuels algal growth. Monitoring and collaborative research among the surrounding countries are essential to study the patterns and impacts of algal bloom, as well as the formation and extent of the OMZ. This research can develop effective conservation strategies and policies to protect the bay's marine resources and ensure their sustainability.

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a holistic, ecosystem-based scientific approach to managing the various economic uses and activities that take place within the marine environment. It involves the analysis of current and future spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in order to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources while minimising conflicts among different sectors. In the context of the Bay of Bengal, effective MSP will be vital for optimising the region's blue economy. The Bay of Bengal is home to a diverse array of marine resources and economic activities, including fishing, aquaculture, shipping, offshore energy production, coastal tourism, land reclamation, freshwater harvesting, naval and aviation infrastructure, and many more. Without proper planning and coordination, these different sectors can easily come into conflict, leading to environmental degradation, economic losses, and social upheaval. MSP provides the framework to map out these various uses, identify synergies and trade-offs, and develop integrated management strategies.

The Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM) at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has developed a comprehensive model, the BDM, marking a significant technological breakthrough. The advanced modelling provided valuable insights for blue economy project viability in the Bay of Bengal. Key research found that the Payra deep-sea port channel has much higher sedimentation than usual, rapidly filling within a year as dredging depth increases. This suggests that the location is unviable due to prohibitive maintenance costs. The BDM model also explored freshwater harvesting, coastal community development, and tourism to support a thriving coastal economy. Detailed, science-based studies are crucial during planning for all coastal and Bay of Bengal projects to ensure sustainability.

As the regional powers vie for influence and access to the resources of the area, mastery of relevant science and technology can become a key strategic asset for Bangladesh. By demonstrating its technological prowess in these areas, Bangladesh can position itself as a hub of maritime innovation, attracting investment and partnerships that bolster its economic and geopolitical standing.

In addition, studying the bay's influence on monsoons, currents, and coasts can provide crucial insights to develop effective climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations. Given the region's susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, and cyclones, cutting-edge climate research has become urgent. Satellite imaging, predictive analytics, and AI-driven early warning systems could aid disaster preparedness. Innovative coastal infrastructure like floating cities and bioengineered mangroves could also reduce climate risks.

Equally important is the need to develop a new generation of scientists and researchers within the country. This will require a concerted effort to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at the primary and secondary levels, as well as the establishment of specialised graduate programmes and research fellowships.

Furthermore, strategic partnerships and exchange programmes with leading global research institutions can help transfer knowledge, technology, and best practices. This cross-pollination of ideas and expertise can accelerate the development of innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing the Bay of Bengal.

The time has come to harness the power of science to unlock the secrets of the Bay of Bengal and leverage our technological prowess to project influence on regional scientific and geopolitical challenges.

Dr Quamrul Ahsan is former professor at the Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM) of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
Dr AKM Saiful Islam is professor at IWFM, BUET.
Dr Anisul Haque is professor at IWFM, BUET.
Md Mahfuzur Rahman is former director general of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).
Dr Shamal Chandra Das is chief engineer of planning at BWDB.​

 

[Saif]

Trial operation of ocean satellite ground station to begin in Dec

Bangladesh is set to inaugurate its first-ever ocean satellite ground station in Chattogram by the end of this year, marking a significant milestone in the country's push to harness the blue economy. The facility - located at the University of Chittagong's Institute of Marine Sciences - is

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Push to harness blue economy
Trial operation of ocean satellite ground station to begin in Dec
Jasim Uddin Haroon
Published :
Apr 24, 2025 00:05
Updated :
Apr 24, 2025 00:05

Bangladesh is set to inaugurate its first-ever ocean satellite ground station in Chattogram by the end of this year, marking a significant milestone in the country's push to harness the blue economy.

The facility - located at the University of Chittagong's Institute of Marine Sciences - is expected to begin trial operations as early as December, according to officials involved in the project.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is expected to visit the site on May 14 during a convocation ceremony at the university.

Until now, Bangladesh has relied on foreign sources for oceanographic data, often at the cost of precious foreign currency. The establishment of this ground station is poised to end that dependence.

"This is a unique and pioneering project in Bangladesh. We hope to begin test operations by the end of the year," said Dr Mohammad Muslem Uddin, the project's coordinator, in an interview with The Financial Express in Dhaka on Tuesday.

He said full-scale operations could commence by March 2026, should the trial proceed as planned.

The project, jointly undertaken by the University of Chittagong and China's Second Institute of Oceanography, is estimated to cost Tk 700 million.

A memorandum of understanding was signed in 2019, but implementation was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Once operational, the station will receive data from seven Chinese satellites and another eight operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and other US agencies.

According to project officials, the station will produce a range of oceanographic products, including chlorophyll concentration, suspended sediment levels, Secchi disk depth, visible spectroscopy data, optical depth, downwelling irradiance, and the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI).

While some of these terms are technical, the practical output will include real-time data on potential fishing zones, oxygen minimum zones, changes in sea colour due to pollution, sea surface temperatures, tidal movements, and signs of cyclonic activity.

This data will be crucial for maritime navigation, fisheries management, disaster preparedness, and ocean research.

Key stakeholders, such as Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organisation (SPARRSO), fishermen, and disaster management non-governmental organisations (NGOs), are expected to benefit directly from the project.

"We strongly believe the satellite station will play a pivotal role in advancing the blue economy agenda," said Dr Muslem.

To ensure the project's long-term financial sustainability, the University of Chittagong plans to introduce a subscription-based model for stakeholders like shipping companies, fishery operators, coastal management authorities, and emergency response organisations.

A mobile application planned by university students is expected to deliver real-time alerts for fishing zones and early warnings for cyclones and tidal surges.

"The goal is to make this data accessible and actionable for users by subscription and researchers," said Dr Muslem in a dormitory in Dhaka, owned by the University of Chittagong.

By enabling the country to receive and process ocean satellite data locally, the station will improve early warning systems and disaster response times, particularly during cyclones and coastal floods.

Civil construction at the Institute of Marine Sciences is now at the final stage, with most of the technical equipment already installed.

Officials are confident that the ground station will be ready for full-scale test runs by December, ushering in a new era of ocean-based satellite research in Bangladesh.

"This is not just a scientific facility," Dr Muslem emphasised. "It is a strategic asset for national development."​

 

[Bilal9]

Satkhira softshell crab farming for export

 

[Saif]

Stimulating investment in blue economy

The size of the investment that the formal lending institutions, that is, banks, have already made or are willing to make in a particular sector of the economy is indicative of the particular sector's importance in the economy. From that perspective, the blue economy does not seem to play a substan

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Stimulating investment in blue economy

Published :
Nov 15, 2025 00:22
Updated :

The size of the investment that the formal lending institutions, that is, banks, have already made or are willing to make in a particular sector of the economy is indicative of the particular sector's importance in the economy. From that perspective, the blue economy does not seem to play a substantial role in Bangladesh's economy. According to a report carried by the Monday's, November 12, issue of this paper, the flow of bank credit to exploit the vast marine as well as maritime potential of the country has been both inadequate and inconsistent over the past years. Going by the central bank data, the total outstanding loan in the blue economy projects under green financing till June 2025 stood at Tk 8.48 billion. But looking back on December 24's figure of outstanding loans at Tk13.50 billion, there is reason to be flabbergasted at the behaviour of lean credit flow in the blue economy sector. Whatever are the particular factors at play behind the fall in credit flow during the first six months of the current calendar year, it clearly reflects the reality of the sector despite the rosy picture experts often portray about it at various discussion forums.

Given the fact that Bangladesh has a 710-kilometre coastline and extensive 'exclusive economic zone (EEZ)' that extends to 200 nautical miles equivalent to 118,813 square kilometres of maritime territory in the Bay of Bengal, it defies reason why both public and private investments have not poured into Bangladesh's blue economy on a massive scale as yet. Consider the marine resources including fisheries and aquaculture, shipping and maritime trade, tourism, offshore renewable energy and so on that could draw investments to create infrastructures, employments, improve livelihoods and boost trade. Especially, fishery resource of the sea needs to be exploited sustainably by way of preserving the marine ecosystem, which requires use of technology and scientific management of the fisheries and other aquatic resources. Moreover, just catching fish should not be the be-all and end-all of the fishery culture, for it is time, this sector is able to add value to its products for marketing at home and abroad. In addition to fishing, it should also involve farming of crustaceans, mollusks and aquatic plants.

Apart from aquatic life, other resources including the winds, tidal waves and abundant sunshine in the coastal areas can be harvested to provide power to coastal communities as well as the national grid. Since 90 per cent of the country's maritime trade is done through the Chittagong seaport, there is ample scope also for expanding the shipping trade through optimum utlilsation of Matarbari deep sea port once it is fully operational for commercial use. Also, the potential of ship building industry that has already built hundreds of small and medium-sized vessels for domestic as well as international markets should be exploited. But required investments to stimulate the different subsectors of the blue economy are missing? No project proposal involving blue economy has been submitted under the Bangladesh Bank's refinance scheme so far.

There is also talk of 'blue bonds', to draw private investment in the blue economy, as it is still in the conceptual stage. Experts are of the view that limited understanding of the financial industry about the blue economy is to a certain degree to blame for this poor investment picture. Banks have few tools to assess investment risks in its various sub-sectors as noted in the foregoing. In that case, the government is required to come up with a dedicated policy framework with provisions for fiscal incentives and capacity development for the sector. Meanwhile, the central bank in collaboration with relevant industries should develop a roadmap to encourage financing for blue economy.​

 

[Saif]

Blue economy & BD's fisheries: promise or paradox?

Nuzhat Fatima Purnota and Md Shanawez Hossain

Published :
Jun 15, 2026 23:24
Updated :
Jun 15, 2026 23:24

The pride of Bengal, the Bay of Bengal, is not just a matter of global recognition for the people of Bangladesh, but also a gold mine of opportunities and regional cooperation. But how little do we do to utilise the opportunities it offers us? How well are we treating the resources that have the potential to drive economic growth on the next level if utilized sustainably? Such questions remain very pertinent to proper utilisation of fisheries and related marine resources on which life and livelihoods of millions of people depend.

BLUE ECONOMY OF BANGLADESH: POTENTIALS AND GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS: The Blue Economy is widely renowned for sustainable economic development based on marine and coastal resources. The Bay of Bengal is both a curse and a blessing for Bangladesh due to its extreme climate vulnerability and the immense resources it provides. It is an opportunity for growth for us, especially with regional cooperation at play in the Indo-Pacific region. Bangladesh has been promoting the utilisation of the ocean economy since 2014, establishing a memorandum of understanding with India in 2015 in order to develop the blue economy in the Bay of Bengal. The country also launched its seventh five year plan where the inclusion of blue economy development was ensured and identified the prospects as a potential driver of growth. The total value of ocean resources is estimated to be at US$24 trillion, where the government of Bangladesh has identified approximately US$16 Billion investment opportunities across its 26 blue economy sectors. The expected GDP return is estimated to be approximately 4-4.5 per cent by 2030 which includes fisheries sector, eco-tourism, renewable energy, maritime trade etc. Investment efforts include projects like the Matarbari deep sea port construction which aim to open up further trading opportunities for Bangladesh. However, threats to ocean habitats and estuarine ecosystems will remain if external factors are not considered.

Bangladesh has been focusing on its blue economy initiatives since 2017, first launching its "Blue Economy Initiatives". The government bodies working on Blue Economy are the Planning Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has identified 26 sectors for the country's blue economy development. The government also launched a Bangladesh Blue Economy Cell in 2016 under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, which failed miserably due to lack of adequate resources, lack of strategic plans, implementation, and policies. Its role has been heavily criticised over the years. Several multilateral partners work in the development of the blue economy in Bangladesh, for example UNDP has assisted in developing the National Blue Economy Action Plan, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, the UNDP has also organised a national dialogue on Blue Bonds, in partnership with UNEP-PEA4SDGs and the General Economics Division, aiming to promote innovative financing mechanisms for marine-based sustainable development while addressing the estimated USD 928 billion SDG financing gap by exploring tools such as bonds in order to enhance sustainable fisheries, offshore energy and waste management. Several policies, like the Hilsa Ban which refrains fishermen from catching and selling wild Hilsa during breeding seasons, particularly during October, and protection of smaller (Jhatka) at peak seasons, also promotes sustainability. Other initiatives include the establishment of the Swatch of No Ground Marine Protected Area in 2014 that aims to protect marine biodiversity in the Bay of Bengal.

Thus, on the internal front, the government has taken short-term and long term measures for sustainable development of the fisheries sector. However, on the external front, there remains many disputed issues that still threaten the long term sustainability of this sector.

REGIONAL AND GLOBAL MECHANISMS IN MARINE RESOURCES GOVERNANCE: Bangladesh's maritime dispute with India and Myanmar had also been an issue for quite a long time, obstructing economic growth in the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). But despite the conflict resolution, the country faces immense exploitation of marine resources from neighbouring countries and ranks 85th among the 152 most vulnerable countries to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing according to the IUU Fishing Index 2021. Bangladesh has also amended the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act in 2021. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) members adopted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies during their 12th Ministerial Conference in June 2022 which entered into force on September 15, 2025 with two thirds of its members formally accepting the Protocol of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies by depositing an "instrument of acceptance". As a Least Developed Country, Bangladesh has been exempted from dispute settlement for continuing subsidies within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) up to 200 nautical miles. It also has access to benefits like a voluntary WTO funding mechanism for technical and capacity building assistance, extended reporting timelines and support for implementing the agreement's disciplines.

CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD: Native fishermen are at the heart of Bangladesh's coastal community whose lives depend heavily on native fishing techniques and practices. Despite their lives being so intricately tied to the sea, they are often marginalised and treated like passive beneficiaries in development efforts rather than considering or including them as key stakeholders. They often lack access to sustainable fishing practices due to inadequate training, modern equipment and market connections, making them more vulnerable to exploitation and climate shocks, especially with the presence of foreign pirates in our EEZ. Despite their equitable inclusion, Bangladesh won't be able to succeed in their blue economy efforts if institutional incapacities persist. Bangladesh has strengthened its maritime security and the presence of Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard to ensure safety and security within its EEZ. The incapacities in question include lack of coordination between government agencies, governance challenges, lack of participatory actions, technical capacities, etc. Prioritisation of ecological conservation over economic acceleration is also a challenge for a developing country like Bangladesh that has a poverty rate of 27.93 per cent as of mid-2025, according to a study by the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC).

As a potential solution and way forward to the development of the fisheries sector various measures are required at national, regional and global levels. First, more research and development with extensive data is required in order to plan the utilisation of the marine and coastal resources sustainably. Funding oceanographic and marine research should be prioritised to fill in data gaps and surveillance of piracy activities. Bangladesh should invest heavily in capacity building of stakeholders-- from grassroot to government levels.

Second, inclusivity of local coastal communities and their empowerment should be the core focus, building resilience and knowledge while promoting community-led conservation and co-management of resources. In addition to that, infrastructure projects should undergo rigorous Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in order to ensure environmental sustainability and protection of marine resources. Coastal tourism facilities and ports should be environmentally friendly and not cause destruction. Significant monitoring, evaluation and reporting are thus required for actionable solutions.

Furthermore, a comprehensive national blue economy framework should be established where all government institutions overseeing marine and coastal affairs should ensure cross-sectoral coordination in management of the associated resources. Public-Private Partnerships should also be considered for better economic development and resource management.

Finally, Bangladesh can strengthen its regional cooperation through the Indo-Pacific that has the potential to connect the South Asian countries to the Southeast Asian countries, and enhance economic development through regional bodies like Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Engagement with these organisations and exchange of knowledge & learning outcomes from best practices for marine and community conservation can further develop Bangladesh's capacity, facilitate joint research, promote peace & prosperity and build economic relations that benefits all the entities involved.

Bangladesh's blue economy is not just an untapped sector but a vision for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development. It is a bridge for the Indo-Pacific that offers a future of prosperity, resilience, and ecological harmony within neighbouring countries. But realising this vision demands a shift from extractive practices to regenerative ones, from exclusion to empowerment, and from fragmented governance to integrated actions at the national, regional and global levels.

Nuzhat Fatima Purnota is a development professional working in the field of Climate Change & Disaster Management. Dr. Md Shanawez Hossain is an Associate Professor of the Department of Global Studies and Governance (GSG) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).​

 

[Saif]

The budget has revived focus on blue economy, but there's a lot of catching up to do

On July 7, 2014, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague handed Bangladesh the second half of its maritime triumph.

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The budget has revived focus on blue economy, but there's a lot of catching up to do

FILE VISUAL: Salman Sakib Shahryar

On July 7, 2014, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague handed Bangladesh the second half of its maritime triumph. Two years earlier, judges at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Hamburg had done much the same against Myanmar. Between them, the two awards left Bangladesh with sovereign rights over roughly 1,18,813 square kilometres of the Bay of Bengal, an aquatic territory close in size to the land we already had. Since then, there has been much discussion framing the collective victory as the start of a “blue economy revolution.” Twelve years on, however, that promise remains largely untapped.

The Blue Economy Cell, established in 2017 to map opportunities in the new maritime estate, identified more than two dozen potential sectors: fisheries, deep-sea hydrocarbons, shipbuilding, salt, marine biotechnology, ocean renewables, tourism. Yet, marine fish catches in FY 2023-24 fell to their lowest level in nine years, at just over 6,28,000 tonnes, and the figure reportedly dropped even further in FY 2024-25. Multiple bidding rounds for deep-sea hydrocarbons have yet to produce a single commercial discovery run by a domestic firm. The marine spatial plan the World Bank flagged years ago as the prerequisite for everything else still sits in draft. Inter-ministerial coordination, divided uneasily among the navy and four civilian ministries, works much as it did before the verdict: indifferently.

Amid these, the proposed budget for the next fiscal year has set aside Tk 200 crore for the blue economy. This includes Tk 100 crore for a new “Blue Economy Research Fund” and Tk 100 crore for development, alongside plans to run commercial vessels for deep-sea tuna, scale up seaweed cultivation, declare new marine protected areas at Kuakata and Salimpur, build a fishing port at Matarbari and upgrade the landing centre in Cox’s Bazar. It is a welcome line in the ledger, and an instructive one. For the first time in years, the blue economy has been given not only some significance but also dedicated allocations. But this is only a start. A research fund is not the same as research capacity. The real test will be to see whether this allocation builds the standing human and institutional architecture needed to decide what to do with the sea portions that Bangladesh won.

It is also relevant to look at how the abovementioned cases had been won. For The Hague and Hamburg, the state had spared no expense on counsel. Foreign barristers had been briefed and international advisers retained; a technical record was assembled with care. Unfortunately, to govern the gains, the government has built no comparable bench at home. We have no national maritime commission of the kinds Singapore or Norway use to drive strategy. We have no steady pipeline of marine geophysicists, fisheries economists, or offshore engineers feeding into policymaking. The country that knew to hire world-class counsel to win 1,18,813 square kilometres of sea never thought to hire a local cadre to govern it.

Meanwhile, the sea around us has filled up. In March 2025, India retired the SAGAR framing it had used for a decade and announced MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) as the new banner for its maritime engagement, now stretched well past the Indian Ocean. China’s Maritime Silk Road has thickened into a steady traffic of port deals, undersea cables and logistics agreements. The US’s Indo-Pacific Strategy now binds together security pacts, technology controls, and supply chain initiatives that converge on the Bay. Bangladesh’s own Indo-Pacific Outlook of April 2023, a careful and non-aligned 15-point document, was a sensible attempt at staying out of trouble.

But hedging is not a posture; it is a workload. Every port concession, security memorandum, dual-use logistics agreement has to be read against a sovereignty checklist that only the country’s own experts can credibly write. When three competing powers arrive at the same time with detailed proposals on deep-water terminals, undersea cable landings, hydrographic surveys, joint exclusive economic zone patrols or rare-earth prospecting, the negotiating table requires not goodwill but specialists who can tell a commercial partnership from a strategic mortgage. We do not have enough of such specialists.

The real problem is the gap between the complexity of what is offered and our ability to interrogate it. Call it epistemic vulnerability if you like, or call it being out-staffed. It rarely makes the front page. It surfaces, instead, in fine print: in clauses we did not push back on, in side-letters we did not read closely, in strategic doors we left a little ajar because we weren’t entirely sure what we were signing.

This gap has only widened, for obvious geopolitical reasons, since August 2024. The political transition effectively cooled the historically close Dhaka-Delhi axis. Across the Naf, and in the waters around Saint Martin’s, the Arakan Army’s effective control of much of Rakhine State has made the eastern flank of Bangladesh’s maritime border one of the most volatile in the region. We are negotiating from a tighter spot than we’ve had to at any point in time since 2014, but with much the same institutional toolkit we had over a decade ago.

There is, however, one asset we have not yet begun to draw on. Across the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Seabed Authority (ISA), major shipping conglomerates, the world’s leading naval academies, and a number of well-funded ocean-science laboratories, several hundred Bangladeshis hold senior-level technical positions. Many of them spent years inside the very institutions whose rules now shape our maritime fate. Almost none of these experts is formally connected to Dhaka’s policymaking architecture.

This is odd, and out of step with what other countries do. India treats its diaspora as a strategic resource: through Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (a day to recognise the contributions made by Non-Resident Indians), overseas advisory councils, and the quiet practice of seconding civil servants to multilateral bodies. China does much the same through Maritime Silk Road technical networks. Even Vietnam, with less to spend, regularly calls back its IMO and ISA personnel to shape national positions on seabed mining or shipping decarbonisation. Bangladesh, alone among countries with a serious maritime stake, has built no such mechanism. The diaspora’s willingness to help is not in doubt; the issue is that institutional response has been silence.

A standing Ocean Affairs Advisory Council, attached to the Prime Minister’s Office or a future Ministry of Maritime Affairs, could pair domestic policy officers with diaspora specialists by sector: hydrocarbons, deep-sea mining, port concessions, fisheries, IMO, ISA, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) negotiations, and maritime law. Its work would be to carry out technical reviews of inbound proposals, mentoring of junior officials, continuous horizon scanning, and so on. Its annual cost would be a rounding error against the Tk 200 crore the budget has just earmarked. A sliver of that research fund, redirected towards the people who would actually read the contracts, would do more for Bangladesh’s blue economy than acquiring another vessel. The question is no longer whether Bangladesh will spend on the sea, but whether it will spend to build the people and institutions capable of governing it. Think of it as “intellectual remittance.” And unlike the financial kind, this one the state can structure on its own terms.

The lesson of the past 12 years is uncomfortable but plain: winning at a tribunal is not the same as governing the space won. The 1,18,813 square kilometres will go on existing on the map whether or not we do anything about it. Whether this portion of the sea ends up as an economy of our own or becomes a buffer in someone else’s calculations will depend on the decisions Bangladesh makes in the coming days and the institutional capacity we choose to build around these decisions.

Md Syful Islam is a PhD research fellow in the Department of Maritime, Transport Law, and Politics at Ankara University in Türkiye.​