Dhaka: Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday underscored the critical need for ocean conservation and the development of a sustainable blue economy. He expressed optimism that the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) and Japan’s Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) will bolster cooperation in fisheries and marine affairs.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the MoU was signed by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairman of MIDA, and Professor Mitsutaku Makino, President of the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) of SPF, in the presence of Prof Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. The MoU will be officially endorsed by SPF President Dr. Atsushi Sunami in the coming weeks.
Prof Yunus, present at the signing, highlighted the ocean as a vital resource currently threatened by increasing pollution. He pointed out the alarming presence of plastic waste deep in the sea and emphasized that the MoU will facilitate efforts to protect and maintain clean seas. He also noted the importance of safeguarding marine resources and praised the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s reputation in marine research, stating that the Marine Science Institute of Chittagong University will remain engaged with SPF in research initiatives.
Under the MoU, SPF will assist MIDA in transforming three villages in Maheshkhali into model fishing villages, following the concept of Umigyo, which focuses on marine industry-based community development. MIDA, as the Interim Government of Bangladesh’s agency for coastal development, will collaborate with SPF to advance national priorities in fisheries and marine affairs, shaped by input from over 20 ministries and agencies in Bangladesh.
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, known for its commitment to maritime policy and disaster risk reduction, will work with MIDA on feasibility analyses for adopting Japan’s blue economy models. This includes areas such as mariculture, fisheries, seafood processing, and the welfare of fishing communities. The collaboration will also address integrated coastal livelihoods, community-based marine resource management, and establishing communication systems between fishing communities and the government.
Baseline studies on fisheries resources and coastal tourism potential, as well as infrastructure development like jetties and seafood processing facilities, will be key areas of focus. Training programs will cover deep-sea fishing, seafood handling, mariculture, and technology transfer, among other topics.
Professor Mitsutaku Makino expressed hope that the partnership would enhance Japan-Bangladesh relations and benefit coastal communities in Bangladesh. MIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury emphasized MIDA’s commitment to preserving coastal livelihoods while exploring new economic opportunities, highlighting the partnership with SPF as a strategic alignment to unlock the potential of the Bay of Bengal.
The MoU signing coincided with the high-level dialogue titled ‘Northeast Indian Ocean Regional Dialogue on Sustainable Blue Economy, Connectivity, and Resilience for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)’, held in Dhaka. The event, organized by OPRI, MIDA, and Peace and Policy Solutions, included participation from senior policymakers and experts from Bangladesh and neighboring regions.
Dr. Emadul Islam, Senior Research Fellow at OPRI, and Commodore Tanzim Faruq, Member of MIDA, were also in attendance.