Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said that the presence of fuel resources in Bangladesh's maritime territory is certain.
He said that the government has taken a policy decision to drill wells in the offshore area, identify mineral resources and later extract them.
He said this while speaking as the chief guest at an event organized in the capital Dhaka on Monday on the occasion of World Hydrography Day 2026.
The Shipping Minister said, “It is not the possibility of finding fuel resources in the country's maritime territory, but its presence is certain. However, due to past policy limitations, proper utilization of these resources could not be ensured.”
He has said that although Bangladesh has acquired the right to vast maritime areas through the verdict of the International Court of Justice, it has not been possible to fully utilize that potential. Neighboring countries India and Myanmar have explored and extracted natural resources in their respective maritime territories, but Bangladesh is lagging behind in this regard.
Shaikh Rabiul Alam further said that about 92 percent of the country's foreign trade is conducted through Chittagong Port.
“Although Bangladesh is still lagging behind in terms of navigation and safe shipping compared to international standards, development work is underway in this sector according to its capacity,” he said.
He said, “The country's approximately 16,000 kilometers of inland waterways are an important natural resource. Hydrography is playing an important role in making these waterways functional, safe, affordable and attractive, and its need will increase in the future.”
The minister expressed hope that World Hydrography Day will create a new perspective on identifying the country's marine and maritime resources and ensuring their optimal use.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
