Minister emphasises research to tap potentials of blue economy

Planning Minister MA Mannan has emphasised extensive research on blue economy to unlock its potentials and get maximum benefits from the Bay of Bengal.

"The government is interested to assist private sector and different organizations in carrying out research works on sea and coastal areas for the development of blue economy," Mannan said.

The minister came with remarks at a discussion meeting on 'Blue Economy Prospectus and Challenges' on Thursday at the Jatiya Press Club, organised by Save Our Sea, a platform that works for clean sea.

He said environment and blue economy are getting priority in the global arena as both the sectors would play a vital role in the world economy in future, reports UNB.

Regarding the demand of including oceanography in the textbooks, the Planning Minister said that the Prime Minister always encourages children to know about the resources of the country.

Dr. Jasim Uddin, Professor of Department of Botany of Dhaka Univeristy and Dr Sontosh Kumar, Chairman Hospitality and Tourism Department, attended the discussion as special guests.

Chairman of the department of Oceanography of Chinttagong University Dr. Muhammad Muslem Uddin Monna gave key note presentation in the discussion meeting.

Head of maritime development and strategic studies of Bangabandu Sheikh Mujib Maritime University Commodore Wahid Hasan Kutubuddin, assistant chief conservator of Forests, the Directorate of Forest, Dr. Maryam Akter, Deputy Director (operation) of Cost Guard Department M Nur-Uzzaman, among others, spoke at the function.

Anowarul Hoque, Secretary of Save Our Sea, moderated the discussion.