Minister for Science and Technology, Faqir Mahbub Anam MP, stated on June 16, 2026 that the present government is committed to ensuring the scientifically sustainable utilization of the country’s immense and promising marine resources. He remarked, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we are firmly dedicated to implementing all action plans regarding the Blue Economy as outlined in our election manifesto. To achieve economic growth, employment generation, food security, and climate resilience, absolute priority will be given to marine resource management, development of ocean-based industrial technology, biodiversity protection, marine environmental conservation, improving the living standards of coastal communities, and fostering research and innovation.”
Minister made these remarks as the Chief Guest at the official Keel Laying Ceremony of the country’s first international-standard marine research vessel, a “Small Research Vessel,” being constructed for the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) at Khulna Shipyard Ltd. today (Tuesday) Concurrently, the keel laying ceremony for a “Self-Sustained Pontoon,” designed to provide mooring assistance to the research vessel, was also held.
Minister described the event as a unique milestone in the history of Bangladesh’s marine research. He noted, “The Keel Laying Ceremony is the foundational step in shipbuilding. Today’s foundation stone will serve as a robust cornerstone for the future journey of Bangladesh’s oceanography, marine resource exploration, Blue Economy, and sustainable development.”
Science and Technology Minister added that a modern research vessel is essentially a floating laboratory. It is not merely a mode of transport, but a mobile research center for scientists, enabling data collection, analysis, and scientific investigation while stationed in the deep ocean.
”Primary objective of establishing the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute was to expand scientific knowledge regarding our marine resources and utilize that knowledge for national development,” the Minister said.
“Scientists from this institute have already made significant contributions to marine biodiversity, fisheries, coastal ecosystems, marine pollution, climate change impacts, and the potential of the Blue Economy. However, we have all long recognized the necessity of an independent, modern, international-standard research vessel. Today, we take a historic step toward fulfilling that need.”
He further noted that the new research vessel will play a critical role in data collection, analysis, and policy formulation concerning fisheries, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, tourism, and other ocean-centric sectors. It will also serve as an effective training platform for young researchers, thereby strengthening Bangladesh’s global positioning in marine research.
Highlighting the abundance of underwater marine resources, Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam emphasized the need to exploit these riches. He stated that it is a matter of immense national pride that this vessel is being constructed through domestic capabilities and engineered by local experts.
In his speech, the Minister observed that the people of Japan harvest vast amounts of seafood from the deep ocean. “If we venture into the deep sea, extracting food resources is highly achievable,” he said, adding that licenses for more modern fishing ships will be granted. “The ocean is no longer just a source of food; it is the primary pillar of Bangladesh’s future Blue Economy. We will be able to identify exactly where fish populations thrive within our maritime boundaries through this scientific research vessel.”
Minister directed the concerned authorities to complete the construction of the vessel within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining the highest quality standards, expressing optimism that it would usher in a new era of marine research in Bangladesh.
The event was presided over by Commodore M Minarul Haque, Director General of the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute. Rear Admiral AKM Zakir Hosen, Managing Director of Khulna Shipyard Limited, delivered the welcome address.
The ceremony was attended by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdullah Harun, Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tajul Islam, alongside senior scientists and officials from BORI, engineers, naval architects, representatives of development partners, and journalists.