Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced on Thursday that Bangladesh aims to establish a marine sector scholarship named after Bangabandhu, targeting small island states and Africa’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs), through the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
During a meeting with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez at her official residence, Ganabhaban, Hasina proposed the introduction of 10 cadet training scholarships under Bangabandhu’s name. The IMO chief welcomed the idea enthusiastically, according to PM’s Speech Writer M Nazrul Islam.
The scholarship recipients will receive training at Bangladesh’s marine academies. Dominguez also highlighted the need for more women mariners, a sentiment echoed by Hasina, who noted her government’s efforts to employ and inspire women in the maritime industry.
Hasina commended the IMO for its swift action in freeing the crew members of the hijacked Bangladesh-flagged ship MV Abdullah within a month. She urged the IMO to ensure maritime safety and security, emphasizing the economic importance of secure seaways.
She also mentioned that the Bay of Bengal countries are collaboratively working to ensure the safety and security of their maritime routes, encouraging similar initiatives globally.
