The Department of Shipping and Maritime Science, Canadian University of Bangladesh (CUB), organized the “Seminar on Load to Road: Exploring Inland Waterways and Seaports”, held on October 31, 2025 (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM) at Hall No. 4, ICCB, Kuril, Dhaka.

The seminar was organized at the Bangladesh’s largest maritime and offshore event, BIMOX EXPO 2025. It brought together prominent representatives from government, academia, and both national and international maritime experts and enthusiasts to discuss strategies for enhancing Bangladesh’s logistics and shipping infrastructure through better integration of inland waterways and seaports.

The event served as an essential platform to exchange ideas on reducing logistics costs, improving cargo mobility, and promoting sustainable transport systems across the nation. Discussions focused on enhancing multimodal logistics efficiency, improving port capacity and river navigability, embracing digitalization in port operations, and advancing eco-friendly maritime solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

CUB’s participation reflected its ongoing commitment to industry collaboration and applied maritime education, ensuring that students and faculty remain connected to evolving global transport and logistics trends.

Chief Guest: Chowdhury Jafarullah Sharafat, Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, Canadian University of Bangladesh, emphasized the crucial role of logistics and port management in driving Bangladesh’s economic transformation. He noted that efficient and sustainable transport systems are key to achieving long-term industrial growth and global competitiveness. He assured that, Canadian University of Bangladesh will be always exploring to enhance capacity building of Bangladeshi marine professionals .

Chowdhury Jafarullah Sharafat reaffirmed his commitment to the advancement of maritime education and innovation in Bangladesh. He expressed a strong interest in supporting the Department of Shipping and Maritime Science, pledging to help strengthen its academic capacity, foster industry collaboration, and expand maritime-related programs that prepare students for global opportunities.

He stated that he will actively support the Department, promote academic and professional growth, and work to advance the interests of the maritime community as a whole, ensuring that CUB continues to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s blue economy and transport development.

Opening Remarks: Prof. Dr. H. M. Jahirul Haque, Vice Chancellor, CUB, underscored the value of academic-industry partnerships in shaping the nation’s transport and logistics landscape. He emphasized the university’s role in developing human capital and policy-oriented research for sustainable maritime growth.

Speaker: Prof. Capt. Kazi Ali Imam, Head of Department, Ports and Shipping Management, Bangladesh Maritime University, shared insights on modernizing port operations and adopting digital tools such as Port Community Systems to boost efficiency and transparency.

Speaker: Md. Manjurul Kabir, Commandant, Bangladesh Marine Academy, Chattogram, emphasized the need for updated marine education curricula and continuous skill development to enhance maritime safety and competitiveness.

Speaker: Capt. G. A. M. Ali Reza, Joint Director (C&P), BIWTA, Barishal, discussed ongoing projects to modernize ports, improve river navigability, and strengthen the “Load to Road” transport network under the Ministry of Shipping.

Moderator & Speaker: Capt. Md. Nasir Uddin, Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Shipping and Maritime Science, CUB, led the session as both moderator and presenter. He highlighted the importance of integrating academic research with industry practices to create sustainable multimodal transport systems in Bangladesh.

The seminar concluded with a crest-giving ceremony and a photo session, marking another milestone in CUB’s active engagement with Bangladesh’s maritime development and education sector.