Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen met with Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain today at the Ministry. Photo: PID

DHAKA, June 18 (BSS) - Bangladesh has sought the support of Norway for Category 'C' membership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for 2026-27.

Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain sought the support of Norway during a meeting with Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen at the Ministry of Shipping today.

Highlighting Bangladesh's maritime significance, the adviser said, "As a leading maritime nation, we have four seaports, including a deep-sea port under construction at Matarbari."

He outlined Bangladesh's strategic location in the context of the Indo-Pacific plan, growing shipbuilding exports, and contributions to global maritime policies.

The adviser also affirmed Bangladesh's commitment to sustainable maritime development and carbon-neutral shipping goals.

Inviting Norwegian investment in Bangladesh's expanding shipbuilding industry, he said, "Bangladesh leads in ship recycling and employs 21,000 trained seafarers, enhancing maritime security and gender inclusion."

Ambassador Gulbrandsen praised Bangladesh's environmental safeguards in ship breaking and efforts in coping with climate change.

Norway and Bangladesh have shared a strong partnership in maritime development for a long time, and various Norwegian shipping companies are interested in investing in Bangladesh, he said.

He also emphasized the need for ensuring the safety of workers in Bangladesh's ship-breaking industry.