Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain speaks about the upcoming IMO Council elections, scheduled for December, at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Aug 27, 2025 (BSS) – Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain today sought support of the member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for Bangladesh in upcoming election as the country is contesting in the membership post under category C of the IMO council for 2026-27 term.

The adviser sought this support from  the diplomats of different states stationed in Dhaka on the affairs of IMO council elections scheduled to be held on December.

Mentioning that Bangladesh is one of the  maritime countries in the world, the shipping adviser said Bangladesh has three sea ports excepting an under constructed deep sea port at Matarbari, adding that a total of 54 internal river ports are playing significant contribution in country’s shipping sector.

Even two-third people are in various ways are depending on maritime sector.

In addition to this, he said the ships, built in Bangladesh is also exporting abroad. Bangladesh is playing significant role in different important issues of the International Maritime sector. 

So, Bangladesh has announced its candidature in the membership of the upcoming IMO council election to contribute significantly at the global level along with progressing  maritime sector of the country, he added.

The adviser also sought support from different IMO member countries in this election.

The Bangladeshi sailors are doing well in the ships of different countries in the world, said the adviser, adding that Bangladesh women sailors are also skilled and potentials.

Welcoming the diplomats of different foreign countries, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain  said that Bangladesh is strategically located at the Indo-pacific region. About 95 percent trade of the country depend on the sea route.

The present government is working to make the maritime sector safe, environment friendly and an inclusive sector in future, he added.