A two-day international workshop on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the Indian Ocean began on Monday at the InterContinental Dhaka, bringing together naval officials, diplomats, researchers, and maritime professionals from Bangladesh, Australia, and other regional countries.

The event is jointly organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD) and the National Security College (NSC) of the Australian National University.

The workshop focuses on MDA analytics and information-sharing techniques, featuring expert-led training sessions and case studies from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the western Indian Ocean region, said a press release.

Chief of Naval Staff and BIMRAD’s Chief Patron, Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, attended the inauguration as the chief guest. Rear Admiral Mir Ershad Ali, chairman of BIMRAD, and Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle were present as special guests, underscoring the growing strategic importance of maritime awareness for regional security and cooperation.

In their welcome remarks, BIMRAD Director General Commodore Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmad (Retd) and ANU’s David Brewster highlighted the role of strengthened MDA in protecting maritime interests, improving information fusion capabilities, and enhancing coordinated regional governance.

Rear Admiral Mir Ershad Ali noted BIMRAD’s role in research-based policy development and international collaboration, stressing that improved maritime awareness is vital for addressing security threats, protecting the environment, and advancing Bangladesh’s blue economy goals.

High Commissioner Susan Ryle emphasised that trust-based cooperation and shared responsibility among regional partners are essential for effective MDA. She praised Bangladesh’s growing maritime engagement and BIMRAD’s role in fostering research and policy dialogue.

Speaking as chief guest, Admiral Hassan said real-time maritime situational awareness is key to operational readiness, crisis response, resource protection, and maritime deterrence. He called for greater interoperability among navies, coast guards, and national agencies, along with deeper collaboration with regional and academic partners to counter threats such as illegal fishing, smuggling, trafficking, piracy, and environmental hazards.

The workshop includes technical sessions on data sharing, surveillance technology, information fusion, analytical modelling, and skills development, with participation from the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, law enforcement agencies, academia, and private-sector organisations.

The event aims to strengthen regional maritime partnerships and enhance capacity-building efforts, supporting Bangladesh’s broader vision of secure and sustainable ocean governance in the Indian Ocean.