Dhaka: Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain today announced the modernization and adaptation of the Shipping Department to meet current needs. He made the remarks during the inauguration of the Joint Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (JMRCC) at the Shipping Department headquarters in Agargaon. This center is part of the Establishment of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System and Integrated Maritime Navigation System (EGIMNS) project, carried out by the Shipping Department.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser also inaugurated seven coastal radio stations and seven lighthouses in strategic coastal locations, including Cox’s Bazar, Saint Martin’s Island, Kutubdia, Char Kukri Mukri, Nijhum Dwip, Dublar Char, and Kuakata. These developments are characteristic of the EGIMNS project, which is co-financed by the Government of Bangladesh and the Korean Economic Development Fund (KEDF).
During the event, the adviser highlighted the EGIMNS project as a groundbreaking initiative that will greatly bolster Bangladesh’s maritime security and improve its capacity to deliver prompt rescue aid to vessels and sailors in distress along the coastline. The project equips Bangladesh with the ability to conduct marine search and rescue operations in accordance with modern international standards, fulfilling the mandatory requirements of the Search and Rescue Convention by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This advancement is expected to enhance Bangladesh’s standing in the global shipping community.
Notable attendees at the ceremony included Director General of the Shipping Department Commodore M Shafiul Bari, Project Director Ship Surveyor and Examiner M Abul Bashar, and senior officials from the Ministry of Shipping, Planning Commission, Economic Relations Division, Bangladesh Navy, and Bangladesh Coast Guard. The Deputy Chief of Mission of the South Korean Embassy in Bangladesh and the Head of Korea Exim Bank Bangladesh were also present, representing the Korean government.