‘Hydrography – contributing to the United Nations Ocean Decade’ – was the theme of this year’s World Hydrography Day. To mark the day, a seminar was organised on Tuesday (21 June) at Issa Khan naval base area Multipurpose Hall in Chattogram under the management of the Chief Hydrographer of Bangladesh Navy. Rear Admiral M Nazmul Hasan, Regional Commander, Chattogram naval area was the chief guest.
The event was attended by senior officials from various ministries, members of the National Hydrographic Committee, representatives of hydrographic and maritime organisations, various seaports, universities, and maritime research and training institutes.
The seminar discussed sustainable ocean management, the application of satellite technology in oceanography, and the need for knowledge on oceans for achieving the desired goals of the UN Ocean Decade. Apart from this, emphasis was laid on enhancing cooperation among the national hydrographic institutes by utilising hydrography services. Chief Hydrographer of the Navy Commodore AKM Sirafullah gave a welcome address on the occasion. The keynote address was delivered by Captain M Minarul Haque, Director of Hydrography Directorate, Bangladesh Navy.
Bangladesh has been conducting hydrography activities as the 70th member country of the International Hydrographic Organization since 2 July 2001. Hydrographic data plays an important role in tackling climate change, monitoring the rate of marine pollution, and protecting biodiversity. In this case, Bangladesh Navy is working as the focal point of all hydrographic activities in the sea area of the country.
The Navy has already acquired the capability to produce paper and electronic nautical charts in accordance with the standards of the International Hydrographic Organization. With the utmost professionalism, the Navy is publishing paper charts and nautical charts of the sea territories within the boundaries of the country, which are being used for safe navigation at sea. The charts are also being updated regularly; which is being widely appreciated nationally and internationally.
Also, a discussion meeting was held on the occasion of the day at the Muktijoddha Smriti Auditorium of the BIWTA office in Dhaka. Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Prof. Dr. ASM Maksud Kamal was present as the chief guest. BIWTA Chairman Commodore Golam Sadeq, Member (Finance) and Additional Secretary Abdus Sattar Sheikh, Member (Planning and Management), and Joint Secretary Md. Delwar Hossain were present as special guests. Member (Engineering) and Joint Secretary Dr. AKM Matiur Rahman presided over the ceremony.
On this occasion, an exhibition on survey equipment was held at the BIWTA building. A documentary on hydrographic activities was aired during the program.
