Stakeholders and experts have called for Bangladesh’s blue economy to be treated as a national priority, emphasizing coordinated initiatives to harness its potential. The call came on Tuesday at a policy discussion titled “Consultation of National Stakeholders on Blue Economy Management in Bangladesh,” organized by the Blue Economy Think Tank at the Doyel Seminar Hall of the CEMEC Institute of Technology in Uttara, Dhaka.

Speakers, including academics, government officials, and private sector representatives, highlighted the sea as a major source of opportunity for Bangladesh. They stressed the need for a national framework, legal structure, and effective policies for sustainable management of marine resources. The discussion underscored stronger inter-ministerial coordination, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, and inclusion of trained officials and researchers in planning and management.

Participants also noted that public-private partnerships could transform the blue economy into a key source of national income. The consultation was supported by the Australian government under the “Australia Awards–Driving Change: Alumni Grants for Innovation” program, aiming to promote knowledge exchange and capacity building in the sector.