Monaco: The Bangladesh Navy marked a significant milestone by participating in the 4th Conference of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) held in Monaco from 19 to 23 April 2026. A delegation led by Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) and Chairman of the National Hydrographic Committee and the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission, represented Bangladesh at the event.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh delegation actively engaged in the election process for the top leadership positions within the International Hydrographic Organization during the conference. This participation highlights Bangladesh’s expanding influence in international maritime governance and hydrographic development.
The International Hydrographic Organization’s assembly, convened every three years, serves as a pivotal platform for setting strategic directions on various global hydrographic activities. This year’s session focused on enhancing international standards for nautical charting, expediting digital transformation, and fortifying the maritime safety framework. Key discussions centered around the transition to next-generation hydrographic standards, particularly the S-100 framework.
The conference also examined the integration of advanced technologies, such as automated survey systems, and emphasized the importance of hydrographic data sharing, interoperability, and capacity building, especially for coastal states. Bangladesh’s active involvement underscores its commitment to advancing hydrographic capabilities and strengthening maritime infrastructure.
In a related development, Bangladesh assumed the chairmanship of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission for the 2025-2027 term during its 24th meeting in Bangkok in February 2025. This role signifies Bangladesh’s leadership in coordinating regional hydrographic activities in the North Indian Ocean region.