Thrust on framing blue economy policy
FE Report
Speakers at a seminar on Saturday underscored the need for framing a national blue economy policy to make the best use of marine wealth.
They highlighted the great prospect for harnessing the resources in the Bay of Bengal.
They also said capacity building of agencies concerned, research, adopting modern technologies and a pro-poor strategy are also crucial in this regard.
The observations came at the seminar on 'Blue economy of Bangladesh: Perspective, poverty reduction and SDGs' organised by COAST Trust, a non-profit organisation, at the city's CIRDAP auditorium.
Chairman of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad presided over the seminar.
Director General (DG) of NGO Affairs Bureau Md KM Abdus Salam attended it as the chief guest.
Executive Director (ED) of Coastal Association for Social Transformation (COAST) Trust Rezaul Karim Chowdhury moderated the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kholiquzzaman said agencies concerned should implement any development plans in a coordinated way to make them more meaningful.
"We need to be consistent with various development initiatives taken," he said stressing the need for continued focus on the blue economy.
The prominent economist emphasised the importance of drawing a roadmap to reap the benefits from the Bay.
Mr Ahmad also laid emphasis on conservation of environment while carrying out the economic activities in the coastal areas.
"We need to develop our home-grown strategies to ensure green economic growth," he said.
Mentioning the country's triumph over neighbouring India and Myanmar regarding maritime border disputes, he said the government so far maintained good diplomatic relations with them.
In his speech, Mr Salam underscored the need for maintaining strategic diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries.
He said the stakeholders should address environmental issues when they reap the benefits of marine resources.
Mentioning poverty in the coastal regions, he urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working there to give them loans at lower interest rates.
Professor of Marine Sciences Department at the Chittagong University Dr Sayedur Rahman Chowdhury and Director of Department of Fisheries Dr AKM Aminul Hoque also attended the seminar.
saif.febd@gmail.com