Bangladesh Maritime University

Message from the Vice-Chancellor

Bangladesh, a nation with a proud maritime identity, is uniquely positioned along the Bay of Bengal, an increasingly vital corridor for global trade and regional connectivity. Our coastal communities have been shaped by the sea for centuries, from the expert craftsmanship of traditional shipbuilders in Chattogram and Sandwip to the dynamic evolution of modern shipyards and ports. The maritime domain is not only a part of our history but central to our future. With the peaceful resolution of maritime boundary disputes, Bangladesh has gained sovereign rights over an extensive maritime area and that has opened new frontiers for sustainable development, economic diversification, and regional maritime cooperation. As the Indo-Pacific emerges as a strategic focal point, Bangladesh stands ready to play a proactive role in fostering conservation of marine resources, blue economic growth, and ocean-based innovation. Depletion of resources on land makes ocean is our hope as next frontier for untapped marine resources. Hence, with increasing recognition of the Blue Economy as a key enabler of sustainable growth, Bangladesh is investing in sectors such as sustainable green shipping, shipbuilding, ship-recycling, fisheries, offshore energy, marine biotechnology, coastal tourism, advance marine technology (like Artificial intelligence, Blockchain, robotics, machine learning conservation of ecosystem and biodiversity etc. These ambitions, however, depend not only on resources but on people—skilled professionals, researchers, innovators, and maritime leaders. In this context, Bangladesh Maritime University (BMU) has emerged as a center of excellence dedicated to building the nation’s capacity in maritime education, training, and research.

Established in 2013, BMU is playing a vital role in developing highly skilled human resources for the maritime domain. Guided by its motto, “We Strive for Maritime Excellence”, BMU is committed to delivering global-standard maritime education, skill development and advancing applied research. With 7 faculties and 38 departments, our undergraduate and postgraduate programs span a wide array of disciplines, including Oceanography, Naval Architecture, Marine Biotechnology, Maritime Law, Marine Fisheries, and Port & Shipping Management. In addition, BMU supervises the academic activities of affiliated institutions like Bangladesh Marine Academy and Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Academy, further extending its academic footprint. BMU places strong emphasis on curriculum innovation, academic rigor, and outcome-based education. Our programs are regularly reviewed and upgraded to reflect evolving industry standards, technological advancements, and the dynamic needs of the maritime sector. We are deeply committed to equipping our students with both theoretical expertise and practical know-how, ensuring that they are confident and competent professionals ready to contribute to national and global maritime development upon graduation. At the heart of BMU’s journey our students bring passion and promise; our faculty bring knowledge, mentorship, and research leadership; and our officers and staff bring dedication and commitment.

Keeping our prime vision of making BMU as center of maritime excellence, soon we shall move to our permanent campus at the bank of river Karnaphuli in Khalurghat area, Chattogram envisioned as a sustainable, tech-enabled, and globally connected maritime education hub. This campus will integrate advanced facilities such as simulation labs, marine research centers, and innovation incubators to further enrich the academic and research environment for our students and faculty from home and abroad.

As Vice-Chancellor, I invite you to explore BMU not just as an institution, but as a thriving community of learners, educators, and professionals working together for a maritime future that is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. I welcome your ideas and engagement as we strive to make BMU a global leader in maritime education and a proud contributor to Bangladesh’s national development. Our collaborations with both national and international partners strengthen joint research, academic innovation, and the professional development of our faculty and students. I would like to acknowledge the dedication and contributions of our talented students, committed faculty, and hardworking officers and staff, who collectively form the backbone of this institution’s continued success. Let us join hands to shape BMU into a world-class center of maritime education, research, and innovation, anchored in excellence and committed to serving the maritime future of Bangladesh and beyond.

Rear Admiral Dr. Khandakar Akhter Hossain, NUP, ndc, psc, PhD
Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh Maritime University