{"id":14,"category_id":1,"image":null,"title":"Ocean Policy for Bangladesh - A Comprehensive Roadmap","slug":"ocean-policy-for-bangladesh-a-comprehensive-roadmap","author":"Rear Admiral M Khaled Iqbal","publisher":null,"description":"

Abstract<\/b><\/span><\/span>
As Bangladesh is on the course to achieve the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals, she needs to address a few significant ocean-related issues and challenges in order to support her political, economic and security interests. Today, the ocean is regarded as the last major frontier on earth for the exploration, exploitation and development of marine resources to sustain the prosperity of any maritime country and the people in future. The ratification of UNCLOS III has endowed Bangladesh with important rights and responsibilities in her maritime jurisdiction. The architect of the maritime vision of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman underscored the importance of endless sea resources and enacted the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act 1974 to establish Bangladesh's sovereign rights over the sea area. The successful delimitation of maritime boundaries with the neighbouring countries in the recent years under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, through the verdict of ITLOS and PCA, has opened a new vista of opportunities in the sector of blue economy. That necessitates the formulation of a comprehensive Ocean Policy which should be multi-disciplinary in approach, and in consultation with the government agencies, private maritime industries, the wider community and other stakeholders. The policy should aim to ensure the ecosystem integrity and the conservation of marine biological diversity. It should also indicate specific sectoral measures commensurate with the broader goals of the blue economy set by the government. The overall vision of the Ocean Policy should be to ensure a healthy sustainable ocean; nurtured, understood and harnessed wisely for the benefit of all to achieve vision 2021, vision 2041 and the Delta plan 2100. But truly speaking there is a scope for better managing our maritime interests and resources while the entire gamut of maritime activities needs to be well coordinated.<\/span>
Keywords:<\/b><\/span> <\/b>Ocean Policy, Marine Resources, Delta Plan.<\/span>
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