CU Correspondent
The International Ocean Institute (IOI) Ocean Academy Bangladesh has officially started its journey to promote ocean literacy, sustainable management of marine resources, and the blue economy in Bangladesh. The inauguration and the first training course were launched through a virtual event on Friday (April 10).
The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of University of Chittagong, Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan, as the chief guest. He formally inaugurated the academy and highlighted the importance of marine science. He expressed hope that the academy will play a key role in developing skilled professionals and ensuring a healthy marine environment for future generations.
Speakers at the event included Professor Mohammad Jahedur Rahman Chowdhury from the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong; Additional Secretary Dr. Mohammad Mohiuddin from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Dr. Mohammad Arifur Rahman, Founder and CEO of IPSA; and Dr. Sabrina Hasan, Assistant Professor at East China University of Political Science and Law.
Participants in the first course included professionals from Bangladesh as well as international fellows from India and Sri Lanka, giving the program a global dimension.
The welcome speech was delivered by Md. Harun Or Rashid, Director of IOI Ocean Academy Bangladesh, who also shared a message from the IOI Global Managing Director and outlined the academy’s goals and objectives.
On the first day, the main technical session featured a keynote paper titled “Blue Economy of Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges,” presented by Dr. Abu Hena Mohammad Yusuf, Associate Professor of Oceanography at University of Dhaka.
The session was moderated by Program Officer Md. Leon Hasan. The event concluded with a closing speech and vote of thanks by Muhammad Mustafa Monowar, Director of IOI Ocean Academy Bangladesh and Associate Professor at the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong.