Dhaka, 21 Sep 2019: Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD) has celebrated its 1st anniversary of establishment on 21 Sep 2019 atSagorika Hall, Naval Headquarters Complex. Admiral Aurangzeb Chowdhury, NBP, OSP, BCGM, PCGM, BCGMS, ndc, psc, Chief of the Naval Staff Bangladesh Navy &Chief Patron, BIMRAD and Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy were present in the ceremony as chief guest and special guest. During the occasion two prominent speakers Professor Dr. RashedUzZaman, Chairman Dept. of International Relations, University of Dhaka and Rear Admiral A S M A Awal, NBP, OSP, ndc, psc, MDS, MBA (retd) presented their keynote speeches on ‘How BIMRAD can contribute to the Maritime Affairs and Security’ of Bangladesh respectively.
The former Chief of the Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy and Chairman, BIMRAD,Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed, NBP, OSP, BCGM, ndc, psc(retd) welcomed distinguished guests on the auspicious occasion. In his speech Chairman expressed that BIMRAD would become a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the maritime community of the world. He also mentioned about his expectations of cooperation from all concerned organizations, researchers, intellectuals and maritime communities of home and foreign countries to make this institution a “Home of Maritime Think Tank”
The Chief Guest opined that the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman, rightly realized the vast importance of sea and enacted the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act 1974. Under the dynamic leadership of Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh has obtained its sovereign right on herterritory of 1,18,813 square kilometres, The chief guest also mentioned about his expectations that BIMRAD would fulfill the aspirations of the nation’s maritime community by creating awareness among them through research, development, training, education, exchanging views and formulating policies for the best use of the maritime industry of the country.
The former Navy Chiefs, former naval & defense personnel, diplomats of different foreign missions in Dhaka, policy makers of public organizations, research personnel from different think tanks, proficient academicians as well as students from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman Maritime University, MIST and other prestigious universities/institutions and representatives from public & private organizations were present and added colour to the events.
During the celebration of the first anniversary of BIMRAD, the “BIMRAD Journal” has been unveiled. The Chief Guest and the distinguished guests well appreciated the initiatives of BIMRAD for creating common platform for the maritime stakeholder in Bangladesh and beyond as well as towards the cooperation for sustainable development of the country.It is noted that BIMRAD being a charitable independent maritime think tank has started its journey on 03 July 2018 to work as a common platform as maritime think tank. The institute is also working for creating maritime awareness amongst the general people, policy makers, civil society and support the blue economy initiates of the government through its regular publication ‘PAAL’, ‘BIMRAD Journal’ and conducting awareness building activities.
