London IMO Assembly: Bangladesh Anchors Bid for Council Seat and Global Trade

The global maritime community has converged in London this week as the biennial Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) commenced on Monday, marking the beginning of a critical diplomatic mission for Bangladesh. High-level representatives from 176 member states have gathered to shape the future of international shipping, with the election of the 40-member IMO Council for the next biennium serving as the centerpiece of the agenda. Bangladesh has officially entered the fray, vigorously campaigning for a coveted position in the ‘C’ Category of the Council.

Leading the Bangladeshi delegation is the Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain. Upon arrival, the Adviser wasted no time in articulating Bangladesh’s commitment to international maritime standards, delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony that underscored the nation's growing influence in the blue economy. The assembly has since transformed into a hub of intense diplomatic activity, with the Bangladesh delegation engaging in strategic networking to consolidate support for its candidacy.

In a significant move to bolster regional trade, the Bangladeshi delegation held a high-profile bilateral meeting with the Pakistani delegation in a cordial atmosphere. The discussion, led by Dr. Hossain and Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Junaid Anwar, focused on revitalizing the shipping routes between the two nations. Both leaders placed a heavy emphasis on expanding naval commerce, specifically exploring the potential for direct connectivity between the Chittagong and Karachi ports.

Further deepening this cooperation, the dialogue extended to strengthening operational ties between the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) and the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). The meeting concluded with a mutual exchange of invitations, as Adviser Hossain invited Minister Anwar to visit Bangladesh, a gesture warmly reciprocated by the Pakistani counterpart, signaling a thaw and a potential surge in maritime collaboration between the South Asian neighbors.

Broadening the diplomatic scope beyond the subcontinent, the Bangladesh delegation also engaged with Michel Chebat, the Minister of Public Utilities, Energy, and Logistics of Belize. This meeting highlighted Bangladesh’s expertise in heavy industry and human resource development. Discussions revolved around sustainable ship recycling practices and the expansion of naval trade. In a display of soft power diplomacy, Dr. Hossain highlighted the opportunities available at the Chittagong Marine Academy, offering open scholarships for marine cadets from Caribbean nations and small island developing states. The offer was met with gratitude by Minister Chebat, who also received an invitation to visit Dhaka.

As the assembly progresses, the Bangladesh team continues to maintain a rigorous schedule of lobbying and active participation in various networking sessions. By projecting a strong, cooperative image and offering tangible contributions to global maritime human resource development, Bangladesh is positioning itself not just as a candidate, but as a vital partner in the international maritime governance structure. The outcome of these diplomatic maneuvers will be determined as the member states cast their votes for the new Council later this week.