CHATTOGRAM, Dec 28, 2025 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Navy held a two-day long 15th meeting of National Hydrographic Committee (NHC) at BNS Isa Khan here, with the aim of ensuring sustainable use of marine resources and conducting maritime activities in a safe, orderly and effective manner. 

Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa presided over the concluding session of the two-day meeting in an effort to strengthen mutual coordination and cooperation among all maritime organizations, said a release of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate this evening.  

Representatives of about 25 maritime and allied organizations, including various ministries, departments, government and autonomous institutions and maritime organizations related to hydrographic activities took part in the NHC meeting. 

The participants of the event visited the activities of the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Center of Bangladesh Navy and witnessed hydrographic activities at sea through the survey ship of the Navy, the release said.

Hydrographic survey plays an important role in the safe navigation of seagoing vessels and the development of the maritime economy.

Bangladesh Navy launched the Hydrographic Service in 1983 to ensure proper hydrographic services and nautical charting for coastal countries in accordance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, the release mentioned.

Bangladesh became a member of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in 2001 and the activities of the National Hydrographic Committee began in the same year through a notification of the Ministry of Defense.

The issues of ocean survey, offshore installations, pollution control, fisheries management, port development, climate-related risk management, strengthening information exchange and training, and the formulation of MSDI and MSP dominated the discussion in the meeting.

In recognition of its significant contribution to international standard hydrographic activities, the Bangladesh Navy is serving as the Chairman of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission (NIOHC) for the 2025-2027 term, which is an important milestone for Bangladesh, the ISPR added.