Navy Chief highlights importance of autonomous hydrography agency for safe sea movement

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan has highlighted the significance of forming a standalone national hydrography agency for ensuring safe sea movement by all kinds of vessels to and from the Bangladeshi coast.

He made the remark after inaugurating the international conference of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission (NIOHC).

Organised by the Bangladesh Navy, the three-day conference began in Chattogram on Monday, said a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Focus of the opening day was on strengthening regional hydrographic cooperation, maritime security, and blue economy activities.

In his speech as the chief guest, the Navy chief highlighted the importance of establishing a “National Hydrographer” as an independent national hydrographic authority in line with other maritime nations around the world.

He highlighted that such authority will act as the coordinating and accountable authority for the overall hydrographic activities, including safe navigation of sea-going vessels.

Chairman of NIOHC and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa presided over the conference. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) director also attended.

Representatives of the commission's member states, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, as well as associate states Australia, France, Oman, Mauritius, Seychelles, the United Kingdom, and the United States, participated in the conference.

In addition, high-level representatives from countries including Russia, Malaysia, and Sudan, as well as various hydrography-related organisations, attended the conference as observers.

It is worth noting that Bangladesh is serving as the chairman of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission for the term 2025-2027.

Established in 2002, the NIOHC is one of the 15 regional commissions under the IHO. Its activities cover the North Indian Ocean region from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Aden.