The Department of Shipping and Maritime Science (SMS) at Canadian University of Bangladesh (CUB) organized a seminar titled “Smart Maritime Bangladesh: A Journey Towards National Economic Development” on October 16, 2026, at Hall 4 of the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), Dhaka.

Held as part of the Bangladesh International Marine and Offshore Exhibition (BIMOX) 2026, the seminar brought together university representatives, maritime professionals, industry experts, academics, and students to discuss the role of smart maritime technologies in Bangladesh’s economic development.

Professor A. S. M. Sirajul Haque, Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge) of CUB, delivered the closing remarks. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the distinguished guests, speakers, and participants for attending the seminar. He also thanked the BIMOX organizers for providing a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and engagement among maritime stakeholders.

The seminar featured presentations by distinguished speakers representing various segments of the maritime industry. The speakers included Engr. Md. Sakhawat Hossain, MEO Class, BMA Alumni Association, WMS & SST; Capt. Ataur Rahman, Principal of the National Maritime Institute (NMI); and Capt. Muhammad Hossain Rahman Chowdhury, Master Mariner, A.F.N.I., MPSM, MBA, and Director (Technical) of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC).

The session was moderated by Capt. Md. Nasir Uddin, Associate Professor and Chairman of the Department of Shipping and Maritime Science at CUB.

During his presentation, Engr. Md. Sakhawat Hossain emphasized the importance of developing a national pool of skilled seafarers to support maritime sector growth, fleet expansion, and efficient logistics. He highlighted the role of qualified maritime professionals in strengthening Bangladesh’s capacity to participate in the evolving global maritime industry.

Capt. Ataur Rahman discussed green ship recycling and the circular economy, highlighting the need to develop an integrated shipbuilding and ship-recycling value chain. He also explored the broader potential of the blue economy, including coastal tourism and other maritime activities beyond ports and shipping.

Capt. Muhammad Hossain Rahman Chowdhury focused on smart logistics as a digital layer over Bangladesh’s river network. He highlighted four key pillars of modernization, emphasizing the potential of digital solutions to improve logistics efficiency and support the modernization of inland waterway transportation.

The speakers shared valuable insights into maritime development, technological innovation, shipping and port operations, maritime education, and opportunities to build a smarter and more competitive maritime sector in Bangladesh.

The discussions underscored the importance of adopting modern technologies, strengthening maritime infrastructure, developing skilled human resources, and promoting collaboration among universities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. The seminar also provided students with an opportunity to interact with experienced maritime professionals and gain practical insights into the evolving maritime industry.

In his remarks, Capt. Md. Nasir Uddin thanked the speakers, participants, students, and guests for their active participation. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between academia and industry to ensure that maritime education remains aligned with the sector’s evolving needs and contributes effectively to national development.

The seminar reflected the Department of Shipping and Maritime Science’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice while promoting research, innovation, and professional development in the maritime sector.

The Department of SMS at CUB expressed its sincere gratitude to the speakers, participants, and everyone who contributed to the success of the seminar. It also extended its appreciation to SAVOR, the organizer of BIMOX Expo 2026, for arranging the exhibition and including Canadian University of Bangladesh as a knowledge partner.

Through initiatives such as this seminar, the Department of Shipping and Maritime Science aims to contribute to the development of a technologically advanced, sustainable, and globally competitive maritime sector in Bangladesh.