Bangladesh Maritime University

The Bangladesh Maritime Law Society (BMLS), a member of the Comité Maritime International (CMI), hosted a seminar titled “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” on Thursday, 25 September 2025, at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre, Dhaka, with technical support from MCLaw Services Ltd.

The program was chaired by Mr. Justice AFM Abdur Rahman (Retd.), former Justice of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh (High Court Division). Rear Admiral Dr. Khandakar Akhter Hossain, NUP, ndc, psc, PhD, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Maritime University, attended as Chief Guest. Special Guests included Commodore Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmad (Retd.), Director General of BIMRAD, and Mr. S. M. Moinul Islam, Country Manager of Tyser Group Services Ltd., London.

Keynote speakers were Mr. Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir, President of BMLS and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Mr. Mohammed Abdul Hye, former Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand; and Dr. Mir Tareque Ali, Professor, NAME, BUET. Featured contributions came from Advocate Shweata Mishra, Head of Chambers at MCLaw Services Ltd., and Commodore Syed Ariful Islam (Retd.), former Director General of the Department of Shipping and Project Lead at MACN.

The seminar drew participation from Judges, Lawyers, Academics, Shipowners, Port Authorities, Marine Insurers, Freight Forwarders, Cargo Stakeholders, and representatives of government agencies including the Department of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Coast Guard, BIWTA, and the River Police.

Speaking at the seminar the Chief Guest Rear Admiral Dr. Khandakar Akhter Hossain highlighted the rapid pace of technological change, noting that technology is coming fast. He stressed the urgent need to prepare for automation, robotics, and the latest technological advancements. He also underlined the importance of developing human-to-human resources alongside technical expertise.

Discussions emphasized the role of maritime law in ensuring sustainable ocean governance and highlighted the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to safeguard the seas for future generations.