Bangladesh has declared its candidacy for Category 'C' membership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–27 term. Shipping Advisor Brigadier M. Sakhawat Hossain sought support from Norway and other IMO member states during a meeting with Norwegian Ambassador Haakon Harald Gulbrandsen. The advisor highlighted Bangladesh's extensive network of rivers and seaports and their importance to the country’s economic development. The ambassador expressed a willingness to support Bangladesh’s bid.