Desk Report:
The 25th International Conference of the ‘North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission’ (NIOHC) has begun in Chittagong under the management of the Bangladesh Navy. The three-day conference was officially inaugurated by Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan on Monday (May 11).
The conference was attended by the Director of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), representatives of the member states of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission, diplomats and high-ranking military and civilian officials. The function was presided over by the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) and National Hydrographic Committee of the Bangladesh Navy and Chairman of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa.
In his inaugural speech, the Navy Chief emphasized on the need to establish an independent hydrographic authority at the national level, ‘National Hydrographer’, like other maritime states of the world. He said that such an authority will ensure coordination and accountability of the country’s overall hydrographic activities. It will also play an important role in ensuring safe navigation of sea-going vessels, strengthening maritime security, expanding blue economy activities and coastal zone management.
The conference highlighted the progress, achievements and future plans of the hydrographic activities of the participating countries. At the same time, detailed discussions were held on increasing mutual coordination, technical cooperation and training support among the countries of the North Indian Ocean region.
It is worth noting that the ‘North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission’ established in 2002 is one of the 15 regional commissions under the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Its activities are carried out in the North Indian Ocean region extending from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Thailand participated in this year’s conference as member states. In addition, representatives of Australia, France, Oman, Mauritius, Seychelles, the United Kingdom and the United States are present as associate countries. Representatives of Russia, Malaysia and Sudan also joined the conference as observer countries.
It is worth noting that Bangladesh is serving as the chairman of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission for the term 2025-2027.
