Formulating blue economy development policy stressed

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DHAKA, July 21, 2018 (BSS) – Stressing the need for formulation of a short, medium and long term policy for ensuring the proper development of blue economy, speakers at a seminar today suggested engaging local experts in the formulation process of such policy for ensuring judicious use of vast marine resources for the welfare of the people.

Coastal Association for Social Transformation Trust organized the seminar on ‘Blue Economy of Bangladesh: perspective, poverty alleviation and sustainable development’ at CIRDAP in the city.

PKSF chairman Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad presided over.

NGO Bureau director general KM Abdus Salam attended it as chief guest while director of the Department of Fisheries (DOF) Dr AKM Aminul Haque, Pankaj Hazarika of the BIMSTEC, Prof Saidur Rahman Chowdhury of Chittagong University, Chowdhury Golam Mostafa of Boat Owners Association and Khandaker Salam of BILS, among others, took part in the discussion.

Prof Lainufar Yasmin of Dhaka University, Prof Dr M Masiur Rahman and Coast Trust coordinator Salehin Sarfaraj presented three papers at the seminar.

Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said a short, medium and long term policy should be formulated immediately for the development of blue economy. For the development of blue economy, the government should identify priorities and take timely measures for implementation, he added.

KM Abdus Salam said Bangladesh has been able to bring the vast marine area under its control under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and emphasized on taking proper policy to ensure the proper use of marine resources.

About the interest rate of microcredit operated by NGOs, he said NGOs must reduce interest rate of their microcredit for the welfare of the poor people.

Chowdhury Golam Mostafa said hilsha production increased significantly over the last two years because of taking various programmes by the government.