ARTICLES
Revolutionizing Maintenance Strategy of Bangladesh Marine Fleet through AI-BasedConfiguration Management Software: A Design, Validation, and Implementation Pathway
Author: Dr. Khandakar Akhter Hossain, Md Hanif Mahmood, Mohammad Alamgir Hossain, Robin Islam, Md Sazzad Hossain, Md. Abu Sufian, Md. Sarjil Mehedi, Shimanto Nandi Akash, Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Khan Md. Mahboba Alahi DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-1013
The maritime industry operates more than 80 percent of worldwide trade, but its aging fleets create growing difficulties for maintenance work. Emerging economies such as Bangladesh face challenges because their systems rely on time-based maintenance for equipment upkeep, leading to high costs and unpredictable work schedules. The research introduces the Integrated Digital Configuration Management System, which combines three maintenance methods Condition-Based Maintenance and Reliability-Centred Maintenance and Artificial Intelligence technology. The framework achieves validation through an empirical case study on marine turbocharger failures which uses the Crow-AMSAA reliability model to demonstrate a 33.9% reduction in annual maintenance costs and a 114% improvement in Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and provides a detailed AI integration pathway for transitioning to predictive maintenance. The reliability analysis process revealed that the system performance changed from an unstable condition with a shape parameter of 0.910 to a stable state with a shape parameter of 0.660. The Monte Carlo simulation produced results with 95% confidence intervals which validated a 16-step implementation roadmap that enables sustainable fleet modernization.Read more
Spatial Distribution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in the Inner-Shelf Sediments of Sonadia Island, Bangladesh
Author: Md. Juwel Rana, M. Shahidul Islam, Asib Ahmed, Mahmud Al Noor Tushar, Rihana Parvin Nipa DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-1012
Microplastic (Mp) pollution has raised widespread concerns due to its prevalence and potential risks to humans and ecosystems. The present study aims at investigating the spatial distribution and ecological risk associated with microplastics (MPs) contamination in the inner-shelf sediments adjacent to the Sonadia Island, Bangladesh. A total of fifteen sediment samples from five locations were collected using Van Veen Grab sample, covering an area of about 15km2 near shelf area of the Island. The abundance, morphology and constituent polymer types of MPs were measured using light microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The investigation reveals that the MPs concentration ranges from 28 MPs/100g (in sampling site S2) to 41 MPs/100g (in sampling site S5) with an average value of 35 MPs/100gm, where Fiber constitutes the dominant morpho-type(92.5%), followed by Film (2.7%), Foam (2.7%) and Fragments (2.1%). FT-IR spectrum show that polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are the constituent polymers of the recorded MPs. The average values of the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) indicate that the shelf sediments in the study area face moderate to high ecological risk from microplastic contamination. Our findings provide baseline data on microplastic pollution in the inner-shelf sediments near Sonadia Island and offer preliminary quantitative assessments of ecological risk, enhancing understanding of the fate, transport and ecological impacts of microplastics.Read more
Assessing the Dynamics of Water Quality and Their Implications on Bio-Chemical Health of River Ecosystem: A RS-Based Study of the Shitalakshya River, Dhaka
Author: Md. Amit Hasan, FarjanaAkther Koly, Sheikh Fahim Faysal Sowrav, S.M. Mustafizur Rahman, Nawshin Alam, Md. Masud-Ul-Alam, Md. Zuhaib Kabir, Shamin Rownok Sarder, Kushik Ahmed DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-1124
Urban rivers in quickly expanding megacities are frequently severely contaminated, but regular field-based monitoring is difficult because of financial and practical limitations. Using Landsat-8 OLI Level-2 surface reflectance data (2025) and a multi-criteria decision framework, this study assesses the spatial water quality conditions and related biochemical health of the Shitalakshya River in Dhaka. Chlorophyll-a, DO, pH, BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, TP, SPM, salinity, and NDWI were obtained from satellite imagery and incorporated into a River Ecosystem Health Index (REHI) using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). While the upstream (Purbachal–Demra) and downstream (Bondor–Mondogonj) segments exhibit Good–Excellent conditions over 30–40% of the river, the mid-reach section (Demra–Bondor) forms a continuous Poor–Very Poor REHI hotspot, covering roughly 45–55% of the river length. With COD up to 350 mg L⁻¹, BOD up to 13 mg L⁻¹, TSS up to 1000 mg L⁻¹, and DO continuously below 5 mg L⁻¹ in degraded zones, water quality indicators demonstrate severe organic and particulate stress. The predominance of untreated effluent inputs is confirmed by strong correlations between COD and BOD (R² = 0.958) and suspended loads (R² > 0.91). The satellite data indicators-turned-integrated tool for REHI seems to be an effective approach towards the monitoring of pollution hotspot areas through enaction of rules as well as the restoration of river ecosystems in the more data-poor urban river basins in BangladeshRead more
Heavy Metal Contamination, Nutrient Dynamics and Microplastic Pollution in Surface Sediments of Saint Martin’s Island and Teknaf Coast for Ecological Health Perspective
Author: Onamika Rahman, Imtiaz Ahmed Sakib, Adiba Mosharraf, Ferdousi Begum, Farhana Akter, Abu Hossain Rakib, Md. Abu Bin Hasan Susan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-1108
Saint Martin's Island (SMI) and Teknaf Coast (TC) are environmentally significant special areas in the coastal zone of Bangladesh, although "Coastal and Marine" ecology is experiencing a growing rate of environmental degradation due to unscrupulous human manipulations. Therefore, current study was carried out on TC and SMI by evaluating various sediment quality parameters viz., physicochemical properties, concentration of nutrients and heavy metals (HMs)/minerals along with abundance of microplastics (MPs) of sediments collected in March 2022. Salinity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen, density, total dissolved solids and total organic carbon were within the standard limit except EC. Sediments of SMI exhibited lower nutrient concentrations compared to TC, with the following order: silicate > ammonia > nitrate > phosphate > nitrite. Average type of sediment was sand in SMI, and clay was also present among the sediments of TC, based on total porosity values. Various sediment quality indicators were developed considering the observed concentrations of HMs/minerals using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. Calculated Heavy Metal Pollution Index suggested that sediments were highly contaminated. Furthermore, sediments of Uttarpara (north side) from SMI and TC were highly contaminated based on observed Pollution Load Index as well as Geo-accumulation Index. Eventually, three types of MPs including foam, fragment and fiber were found in the sediments of both areas, and among the MPs (smaller than 1 mm), fibers were the most abundant and their presence was lower in SMI compared to TC. Thus, this research helps us to understand comparative sediment quality of SMI and TC for the sake of coastal ecology of Bangladesh.Read more
Establishment of a Dedicated Maritime Export Processing Zone in Bangladesh: Proposing a Catalyst for Sustainable Development for Blue Economy
Author: Al Muminul Mia, Mst. Ayesha Akter DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-1107
Bangladesh's export-led economy exhibits a high concentration in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector, which now accounts for over 85% of total exports, creating structural vulnerabilities. The nation's extensive maritime territory presents a significant opportunity for diversification through a sustainable blue economy. However, the potential of high-value marine sectors like aquaculture, seaweed processing, and marine biotechnology remains unrealised. This paper proposes the establishment of a dedicated Maritime Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) as a necessary strategic intervention. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines recent sectoral data analysis with a review of international best practices, this study evaluates the rationale for an MEPZ. It discusses a conceptual model where the MEPZ acts as an integrated cluster to overcome existing barriers. Analysis identifies the Matarbari-Maheshkhali axis as the optimal location due to its proximity to a deep-sea port and existing infrastructure development. It concludes with a phased policy roadmap for the zone's establishment, arguing that an MEPZ is the most effective instrument for unlocking sustainable maritime growth and aligning Bangladesh with SDGs.Read more
Analyzing the Barriers to Multimodal Transport System Implementation: An ISM-MICMACBased Approach
Author: Commodore Md. Neamul Hasan, Zannatul Ferdous Nimu, Hasibul Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-1105
Effective multimodal transportation is crucial for enhancing global supply chain efficiency and reducing costs. However, its implementation in developing countries, such as Bangladesh, faces significant challenges, which hinder international trade competitiveness. This study aims to identify, analyse, and prioritise key barriers to an integrated multimodal transport system in Bangladesh. Critical barriers were identified through a comprehensive review of relevant literature and consultations with domain experts. Subsequently, Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) and MICMAC analyses were employed to systematically ascertain their contextual relationships and interdependencies. Complex customs procedures and information technology inefficiencies are identified as the most unstable and highly influential barriers. These pivotal issues create a cascading effect, substantially hindering the development of efficient multimodal transport. Based on the ISM-MICMAC findings, this study presents a clear and actionable framework for prioritising strategic barrier interventions. This provides valuable insights for policymakers to formulate effective strategies, thereby enhancing national competitiveness in international trade. This research offers a novel, structured approach to understanding multimodal transport barriers in a developing country, contributing a practical framework for policy and enhanced trade competitiveness.Read more
The Sustainable Ocean Governance in the Bay of Bengal: An Analysis from Trans-boundary Aspects
Author: Md. Minhajul Abedin Chowdhury, Dr. Mohammad Saidul Islam, Saiyeed Jakaria Baksh Imran DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-1106
To keep the planet sustainable for future generations, we have no alternative but to take effective measures to ensuresustainable ocean governance (SOG). To ensure sustainable ocean governancein the Bay of Bengal, joint efforts of the coast states;Bangladesh, India and Myanmar are needed. Therefore, this study focuses on developing a tri-party policy approach, including Bangladesh, India and Myanmar. SOG is a process of exploring and exploiting ocean resources in a way thatprotects the marine ecosystemas well as the rights of future generations. As the Bay of Bengal is mainly the sea basin of three coastal states, namely Bangladesh, India and Myanmar, it is neither possible nor desirable to protect the marine environment, avoiding the contribution of any single littoral state. Trans-boundary issue is a key factor inensuring SOG in this region because without developing any multinational regulatory and policy framework, no state will take the responsibilities of infringement of laws and regulations hampering the marine ecosystem. To solve this issue, states of this region have taken some initiatives, including the establishment of BIMSTEC, SAARC, IORAand ASEAN, but these organizations could not achieve the expected outcomedue to the lack of strong national and regional legal instruments. Therefore, this study focuses on the existing policy and regulatory framework under which the Bay of Bengal is currently governed. It also makes recommendations on howthe regulatory and legal framework be developed for this region following the proven initiatives taken by the different regions of the globe.Read more
Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Its Implications for Sustainable Water Management in southwestern region of Bangladesh: A Study in Mongla Upazila, Bagerhat on Hydrogeochemical Parameters
Author: Saif Khan Sunny, FarjanaAkther Koly, Abdul Awal Ahammed, Syeda Jasia Firdaws DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-1097
The coastal region of Bangladesh, especially Mongla Upazila in the Bagerhat District, is vulnerable to groundwater contamination caused by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Saline water intrusion, influenced by tidal dynamics and human activities such as shrimp farming, has extremely effected groundwater quality. This study confidently set out to evaluate the physicochemical and hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in Mongla Upazila, focusing on parameters such as Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), salinity, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and major ions of groundwater. Utilizing water quality index (WQI) methods, the study assessed the groundwater potability and found out that all sampling stations surpassed the allowable thresholds for drinking water, showing severe contamination. Specifically, 28.6% of the samples were categorically identified as poor, 28.6% as very poor, and 42.9% as entirely unfit for consumption. These findings emphasize the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management practices to reduce the intensity of saline water intrusion, protect public health, and guarantee water security in that area. For these purpose, strong recommendations include the implementation of managed aquifer recharge (MAR), rainwater harvesting (RWH), and reverse osmosis (RO) techniques, along with enhanced governance and community engagement to tackle water quality challenges effectively.Read more
Comparative Evaluation and Regulatory Gaps in the Bangla desh’s Inland Shipping Ordinance 1976 Against Classification Society Standards: Implications for Ferry Safety Reform
Author: Md. Nasibur Rahman Arpon, ZobairIbn Awal, Ashhab Labib DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-1104
Inland Water Transport (IWT) is the backbone of Bangladesh's economy and its social life.However, its potential isalways wasted becauseof the high frequency of ferry accidents. The present study investigates the systemic regulatory failures that cause these events. Qualitative comparative analysis has been used to examine the Inland Shipping Ordinance 1976 (ISO 1976) in Bangladesh. This domestic law is compared against the comprehensive rules of three leading classification societies: Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Bureau Veritas (BV), and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). These international organizations maintain advanced maritime safety standards. Analysis was structured into nine key safety areas and discussed in the context of a case study of the 2021 Ro-Ro Ferry Amanat Shah accident. The analysis finds that ISO 1976 is well behind the times and requires upgrada tionacross all nine categories, ranging from design life to survey arrangements. The ordinance provisions tendto becompletely nonspecific or generalized on crucial safety matters carefully outlined in classification society rules. These regulatory loopholes were found to be directly correlated with the causative factors of the Amanat Shah accident, such as the ship's advanced age, unresolved stability issues, and a poor survey track record.Bangladesh's IWT sector's persistent safety crisis is a consequence of a stagnant, inadequate local regulatory system that has lagged behind modern maritime safety standards. There is an urgent and fundamental need to reform ISO 1976on the basis of best-practice principles and technical guidelines.Read more
Analyzing the Prospects and Challenges for Using Solar Energy in the Merchant Vessels
Author: Md. Ariful Islam, F.M. Nizazul Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-1103
Solar energy may now be used for a variety of maritime applications, such as monitoring marine conditions and powering boats and ships, thanks to advancements in solar-powered marine technologies. This study investigates the advantages and challenges of utilizing solar energy in merchant vessels by focusing on the impact of solar technologies on environ mental performance, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness. The study adopted a qualitative method with close ended questionnaire on random sampling method through an online survey. Data obtained from questionnaires were qualitatively analyzed using evocative analytical tools. The results c support targeted policies, rules, and incen tives meant to increase the environmental friendliness and sustainability of the marine industry. Solar-powered ships represent a growing trend in sustainable maritime technolo gy, aiming to drastically reduce emissions and fuel consumption while enhancing opera tional efficiency through innovative designs. In the end, it aspires to provide practical guid ance on how to enhance the viability of solar energy solutions in the maritime sector.Read more
Anthropogenic Forcing and Its Ecological Consequences on Saint Martin Island's Environment in Bangladesh: Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
Author: Khan Mohammad Ibtehal, Md Ashikur Rahman, Md Yeamun Hasan Soumick, Rabina Poudyal DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-1096
Saint Martin’s Island, the only coral-bearing island in Bangladesh, is a unique and ecologically sensitive region experiencing significant land use and land cover (LULC) changes due to anthropogenic influences. The aim of the study was to determine the land use and land cover changes from 1990 to 2023 years and determination of the changes of different types of ecosystems due to anthropogenic forcing. The research study employed Landsat satellite imagery for data analysis with the help of remote sensing and GIS techniques. Over the 33-year study period, built-up areas increased by 0.0477 km², while vegetation and barren land decreased by 0.1728 km² and 0.2799 km², respectively. Agricultural land expanded by 0.5014 km², replacing natural landscapes due to growing population pressure and rising tourism. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) indicated increased agricultural expansion at the expense of dense vegetation cover. Population growth surged from 3,700 in 1996 to 9,000 in 2021, while tourist influx rose from 150–200 in 1997 to 6,000–7,000 in 2018. Alarmingly, coral cover shrank from 1.3284 km² in 1980 to 0.3942 km² in 2018, and coral species declined from 141 in 1980 to 41 in 2015, highlighting severe ecological degradation. The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to regulate land use and tourism, ensuring the island's ecological sustainability. Collaborative efforts between researchers and policymakers are crucial to preserving Saint Martin’s Island’s biodiversity and mitigating further environmental damage.Read more
Heavy Metal Contamination and Health Risk Assessment in the Meghna River Estuary During Monsoon
Author: Md. Ashik Ullah, Sadia Haque Sadi, Md. Omur Faruk, K M Azam Chowdhury, Erfanul Haque Chowdhury Albin DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-1102
The estuarine region, due to its transitional location and dynamic physiochemical influ ences on component distribution, is very susceptible to heavy metal pollution. This study investigates the spatial and vertical distribution of 11 heavy metals (Al, As, B, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn) during monsoon in the Meghna River estuary, the possible contributing geochemical processes and associated health risks. Samples were procured from bottom and surface of five stations from the river and analyzed for their concentration. Results unraveled, the bottom waters in upstream favored the resuspension of metals like Fe, Mn and Al, presumably impacted by slightly acidic conditions. On the other hand, Sr and B concentrated in the downstream stations possibly enhanced by increased salinity. Cu and Ni showed trivial presence in the sample waters and Zn and Ba had medium concentra tions, which increased slightly at the bottom samples in downstream. Distribution patterns and Principal Component Analysis revealed, altogether the elements are distributed by hydrodynamic sorting, estuarine mixing and sediment-water interactions. Risk assessment results indicate that non-carcinogenic risks are mainly associated with the oral exposure pathway, with Al and As contributing most strongly to elevated hazard indices at several stations, whereas dermal exposure posed negligible risk across the study area. Carcino genic risk estimates suggest that As is the dominant contributor, with cumulative risk values exceeding the commonly accepted guideline at selected stations. Given the limited spatial and temporal coverage of the study, these findings should be regarded as indicative and highlight the need for continued monitoring and more comprehensive investigations to better understand the processes controlling heavy metal distribution and associated health risks in the Meghna River estuary. Risk assessment and indices revealed immense non-car cinogenic risks as Hazard Index exceeded the threshold in all the stations, primarily due to Al, As and Pb. Arsenic concentration surpassed the permitted threshold level in almost every sample raising the Carcinogenic Risks over the acceptable limits. The study under scores the need for urgent need for mitigation strategies, along with comprehensive studies to delineate the contribution of geogenic and physiochemical processes responsible for element distribution, to safeguard the health of populations reliant on the Meghna estuary.Read more
Ecotoxicological Assessment of Microplastics in Commercial Fish Species of the Southern Coast of Bangladesh
Author: Modhuparna Dey, Adiba Mosharraf, Ferdousi Begum, Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Md. Abu Bin Hasan Susan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-1101
Plastic pollution is a critical global issue, with microplastics (MPs) posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study investigates the occurrence and associated ecotoxicological risks of MPs in an exploratory way in three commercially vital fish species: Otolithoidespama (Poa), Glossogobiusgiuris (Bele), and Euthynnusaffinis (Little Tuna), collected from the Kuakata coast of Bangladesh. MPs were extracted from the gills and gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of collected fishes using peroxide digestion, followed by characterization via microscopy and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Results revealed MP contamination in all species, with fibers being the most prevalent form. G. giuris exhibited the highest overall MP abundance, while E. affinis showed the lowest. Polymer analysis identified ten types, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and the highly hazardous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyure thane (PU). The ecotoxicological risk assessment revealed a concerning scenario. Pollution Load Index (PLI) indicated moderate contamination across all samples. However, Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and Polymer Risk Index (PRI) highlighted significant risks, particular ly from PVC and PU, which were classified as posing an extreme danger. G. giuris was found to have the highest PRI, suggesting that its consumption could pose a considerable health risk. These findings underscore the pervasive nature of MP pollution in the fishery resources of Bangladesh and emphasize the urgent need for targeted environmental moni toring and public health policies to ensure food safety and security.Read more
Assessment of the Gradual Emergence of Putney Island, Bangladesh Using Geospatial Techniques
Author: Md Jahidul Alam, Mohammad Azharul Islam, Khan Mohammad Ibtehal, Rahul Mandal, John Christian D. Entia DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-1094
Bangladesh is a deltaic country, comprising the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) River system delta, the largest delta in the world. By accumulating sediment, this active delta continues to expand the shelf regions of Bangladesh, forming new offshore islands in the southern coastal region. Putney Island is a new offshore island in Bangladesh's southwestern coastal zone. This study aims to understand the island's evolution history, spatiotemporal migration, and land cover changes by estimating erosion and accretion, shoreline shifts, and Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes from 1992 to 2022. Landsat satellite images from 1992, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2022 have been used in the analysis, which was conducted using ArcGIS 10.5 and ERDAS IMAGINE 2014. At present, the island has a total land area of 5.62 km2. Since 1992, it has shifted dramatically in a northwesterly direction, according to the significant finding of this study; erosion and accretion processes have influenced changes in land cover patterns. The most significant changes were recorded between 2005 and 2015. Between 2005 and 2010, the island experienced erosion of 3.18 km2 of land, and between 2010 and 2015, the island reached its highest land boundary (7.94 km2) through accretion of 6 km2. Sediment influx might had significant influences during cyclone periods as Bangladesh is a cyclone prone country. Land cover and vegetation studies indicate that the island is covered by 4 km2 of vegetation, mostly mangroves and wetlands in the south. However, despite these dynamic processes, the island has significant potential to contribute to the country's economy. Read more
Evaluating Water-Driven Ecosystem Sustainability Using Machine Learning Assisted GeoAI and Remote Sensing: Evidence from Rajbari, Magura, and Kushtia Districts
Author: Shahina Akter, Khan Mohammad Ibtehal, K M Azam Chowdhury, Md Yeamun Hasan Soumick, Mohammad Azharul Islam, Muntasir Faisal DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-1100
Bangladesh, where floodplain landscapes integrate growing urbanization and environ mental vulnerability, monitoring Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) trends is crucial. This study uses multi-temporal Landsat 8 images from 2015, 2020, and 2024 to examine spatio temporal LULC variations in the southwestern districts of Kushtia, Rajbari, and Magura, also using Geospatial AI (GeoAI). Land alteration patterns within the Ganges floodplain were quantified using supervised classification based on a Random Forest algorithm in Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS. Four LULC classes waterbodies, vegetation, built-up areas, and barren land were analyzed to determine urban expansion, land degradation, and ecological change. The outcomes reveal significant differences between districts. Kushtia had substantial urban expansion, with built-up areas expanding from 12.48% in 2015 to 29.73% in 2024, mostly displacing vegetated and barren land. Increased imperme able surfaces and possible hydrological disruptions through modified runoff and decreased infiltration are suggested by the expansion's coincidence with decreasing plant cover and slight decreases in surface water extent. With implications for hydrological instability, Rajbari showed a persistent decrease in vegetation and a nearly threefold increase in barren land, indicating ecological degradation probably caused by riverbank erosion, land abandonment, and climate stress.Whereas Magura displayed a more sustainable trend, highlighted by increased plant cover and a large reduction in bare terrain alongside signif icant urban growth. Although localized changes show the susceptibility of peripheral aquatic systems, waterbodies in all districts remained largely constant. Classification accuracy was high, with total accuracy surpassing 87% and Kappa coefficients above 0.85. To reduce hydrological disruption and improve landscape resilience, the results high light the necessity of district-specific land-use and water-sensitive design techniques.Read more
Monsoon-Driven Variability and Long-Term Monitoring of Estuarine Water Quality in the Meghna Estuary, Coastal Bangladesh, Using Geospatial Techniques
Author: Khan Mohammad Ibtehal, Md Ashikur Rahman, Sheikh Fahim Faysal Sowrav, Mohammad Azharul Islam, Rabina Poudyal DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-1099
Coastal and estuarine ecosystems are vital yet highly vulnerable to climatic variability and anthropogenic pressures that disrupt water quality dynamics. Understanding these varia tions in the Meghna Estuary is essential due to its ecological and socio-economic impor tance to Bangladesh’s coastal communities. The research study aims to examine long-term and seasonal variations in Surface Water Quality Parameters (SWQP) across 33 years (1990–2023) with a six-year interval, focusing on pre-monsoon and post-monsoon condi tions. Multi-temporal Landsat satellite images downloaded from USGS Earth Explorer, were analyzed with the help of ArcGIS 10.7 software deriving ten parameters, including BOD, COD, DO, pH, SST, SSS, SChl, TDS, TSS and Turbidity. Analytical techniques such as the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI), Iso Cluster Unsupervised Classification (ICUC), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Mann–Kendall (MK) trend tests were employed to evaluate spatial and temporal patterns. The result of the study reveals distinct seasonal contrasts as pre-monsoon waters exhibited higher salinity, TDS, and organic loads, whereas post-monsoon conditions showed elevated turbidity, suspended solids, and chlorophyll-a due to monsoon-induced runoff and sediment transport. The MK trend test and PCA indicated a long-term decline in salinity and dissolved solids, alongside increasing eutrophic tendencies and organic pollution. The CCME-WQI values demonstrated gradual improvement during pre-monsoon but deterioration in post-monsoon periods, reflecting the shifting of hydrological and anthropogenic influences. The study emphasizes the importance of enhancing pollution control policies at the water shed level, rigorously enforcing effluent discharge regulations, and incorporating remote sensing-based monitoring frameworks into national coastal management to ensure sustain able estuarine resource governance in Bangladesh.Read more
Marine Heatwaves in the Bay of Bengal: A Synthesis of Observed Trends, Climate Drivers, Modeling Gaps, and Future Challenges
Author: Tasnim Binth Abin, Priyanka Mazumder, Dr. Mohammad Muslem Uddin, Saif Mehjabin, Longwei Zhang DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-1098
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are increasingly recognized as a major expression of ocean warming, with rising ecological and socio-economic consequences. The Bay of Bengal (BoB) is particularly vulnerable because strong upper-ocean stratification, large freshwa ter inputs, and monsoon-driven variability favor surface heat retention and amplify temperature extremes. This review synthesizes four decades of BoB-relevant MHW research to summarize observed patterns, dominant drivers, detection and modeling prac tices, and key gaps that limit forecasting and preparedness. A structured, multi-source literature synthesis was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and institutional reports spanning 1982–2024. Studies were included if they examined the BoB or adjacent eastern Indian Ocean, applied percentile-based MHW definitions consistent with established approaches, and reported observational, reanalysis, or model-based anal yses. Evidence from satellite SST products and reanalysis-based studies indicates that Bay of Bengal MHWs have become more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense since the early 1980s. Findings were organized across spatial–seasonal variability, physical drivers, climate teleconnections, detection constraints, and modeling approaches. Across the reviewed literature, BoB MHW behavior is linked to coupled local–remote processes, including air–sea heat-flux anomalies, stratification and mixed-layer dynamics, mesoscale eddies, and modulation by climate models such as ENSO and the IOD. Reported metrics vary partly due to differences in baseline selection, detection settings, and data limitations, highlighting the need for more consistent reporting. Modeling practice remains weighted toward retrospective detection tools, while process-resolving high-resolution regional models and hybrid (dynamical + data-driven) forecasting approaches remain underutilized for BoB applications. Strengthening BoB preparedness requires standardizing detection parameters, improving obser vation and validation of stratification and mixing processes, and expanding the use of high-reso lution and hybrid forecasting frameworks to support early warning and adaptation planning.Read more
Solar-Powered Boats for Bangladesh Inland Waterways: State of the Art and Future Prospects
Author: Shahan Malek Usham, Tasmia Hoque, Md. Emam Hossain Emon, Amreen Tahiat Rashed DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-1093
Bangladesh’s inland waterways form one of the world’s largest transport networks. Yet most vessels operating in these waterways are still dependent on diesel propulsion which comes with high operating costs and environmental pollution. With average solar radiation of about 4.5 kWh/m² per day, solar-powered boats offer a clean, environment friendly and practical alternative to diesel for inland transportation. This paper reviews the technological evolution and performance of solar-powered pilot project boats in Bangladeshi contexts. This study also examines their technical, economic, environmental, policy and institutional dimensions. The findings show that solar boats can reliably operate at low to moderate speeds, achieving fuel-free operation and reducing more than five tonnes of CO₂ emissions per vessel each year. Due to substantial savings in fuel and maintenance,economic assessment identifies solar powered boats as a financially advantageous option over long run operation. However, barriers such as high upfront costs, limited manufacturing capability, and weak policy integration hinder widespread adoption. The paper provides valuable insights on mainstreaming solar propulsion in Bangladeshi inland transportation network and advancing low-carbon transport, lowering costs and also setting an example for other riverine nations.Read more
Technology and Transformation of Contemporary Leadership
Author: Dr Khandakar Akhter Hossain, Saiful Islam, Dr Burak Cankaya DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-1092
Leadership is an indispensably imperative instrument to the leaders to steering the development of an organization, or a country or the globe as a whole in a relative dealing with associated many factors in every era during the growth of civilization. Thus the significance and necessity of leadership are becoming increasingly recognized in the contemporary period. In this modern era, the successful utilization of technology and contemporary lifestyles has become an essential component of leadership. A leader must embrace a more purposeful management approach in order to achieve success. This involves adopting novel tactics and concepts while simultaneously remaining adaptable and receptive to change. Today an organization usually faces challenges in creativity and transformation and contemporary leadership approaches tend to be more appropriate, particularly in a global setting. In this analytical research, a thorough examination of contemporary leadership approaches and transformation are evaluated for the modern era where 4th Industrial Revolution, smart and advanced technologies play a crucial role.Read more
Phytochemical, nutritional, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial profiling of Ulva lactuca collected from the Bay of Bengal, Cox Bazar
Author: Tasnim Sayed Supto, M. Mahfuza Khatun DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-1056
Global interest in seaweeds has grown, and Bangladesh is emerging as a seaweed growing powerhouse. Research on the identification of phytochemical bioactive compounds, as well as their antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activities, represents a significant area of interest that may not have been thoroughly explored in Bangladesh. This study emphasizes the importance of seaweeds by investigating the phytochemicals, cytotoxic properties, antibacterial activity, and proximate profiles derived from the methanolic extracts of the green seaweed, Ulva lactuca, sourced from Nuniachara, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids in the collected seaweed sample. The brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) demonstrated a cytotoxic effect of the methanolic extracts, with a significant LC50 calculated showing mild cytotoxicity. Furthermore, Salmonella sp, and E. coli exhibited a higher zone of inhibition compared to other bacterial species employed in the study indicating a greater antibacterial activity of these two species. The proximate quantitative test indicated that the seaweed comprises 10.17% protein, 62.66% carbohydrate, 0.54% total fat, 5.47% fibre, 16.50% ash, and 10.13% moisture. The analysis also revealed that vitamin A was not present, whereas the concentration of vitamin B12 was measured at 97 μg/100g. Notably, heavy metals such as lead (Pb) arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) were below detectable level in U. lactuca , while the amount of Zn was 2.28 ppm. Ulva lactuca from the Bay of Bengal, cox’bazar could be a potential candidate to further explore as a source of novel bioactive compounds.Read more
Inter-comparison of chlorophyll-a and associated physiochemical parameters in the three Marine Protected Areas of Bangladesh utilizing remote sensing datasets
Author: Mohammad Azharul Islam, K M Azam Chowdhury, Mohammad Tanzil Hasan, Kayes Mohammad, Ashraful Moontahab, Fazle Ruhan Nuhas DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1046
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mandate that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) occupy 10% of each marine area's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Four MPAs that cover 8.25% of Bangladesh's EEZ have been declared, yet research on the efficacy and health of these areas is still pending. It is vital to evaluate crucial factors including nutrients, water quality, human impact, and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) to guarantee that these MPAs are successfully protecting marine ecosystems. The increase or decrease in Chl-a concentration and other physicochemical parameters correlate with greater or lesser transportation through river water. Our observations exploit that there is slight decrease of the Chl-a concentration at Nijhum Dwip MPA and increasing in both Swatch of No Ground (SoNG) and St. Martin MPA. St. Martin MPA’s concentration level of Chl-a and nutrients is distinct from that of other places because of the island's relatively low exposure to freshwater flow. High probability of decreasing Chl-a concentration occurs for turbid water or high rate of sedimentation in Nijhum Dwip MPA. Even the water velocity and upwelling of the nutrient-rich water increases the concentration of the region, especially the SoNG MPA. It’s preferable to say that there are some driving forces such as water current, wind stress, temperature, saline layer, and mixed layers that are likely to be responsible for the variation in these MPA regions. Distinction between the regions for depth, turbidity, freshwater influx, and seasonal variability.Read more
Application of GIS and Remote Sensing for Sustainable Fisheries Management in the Bay of Bengal: A Habitat Mapping Approach
Author: Sheikh Fahim Faysal Sowrav, Atika Afia Broty, Kawsar Ahmed Nazmul, Abu Syed Al-Imam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1042
The Bay of Bengal’s fisheries are under considerable pressure from overfishing and environmental degradation, threatening long-term sustainability. This study applies Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing to map critical fish habitats, identify Potential Fishing Zones (PFZs), and assess species abundance. Satellite data from MODIS and Sentinel-3 provided insights into sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a concentrations, crucial for understanding fishery productivity. Analysis focused on four key fishing grounds—Swatch of No Ground, Middle Ground, South Patches, and South of South Patches—within Bangladesh’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which covers over 118,000 square kilometers of marine area. The study revealed that the South and South of South Patches, with depths up to 80 meters, have the highest species richness. Notably, SST in these regions ranged from 24°C to 28°C, and chlorophyll-a concentrations varied from 0 to 5 mg/m³. Yearly fish abundance trends from 2005 to 2021 showed a significant increase in Hilsa production from 277,123 metric tons (MT) in 2005 to 566,593 MT in 2021, a rise of over 100%. The findings underline the importance of habitat mapping for improving management strategies and reducing overfishing. This study also highlights the critical role of remote sensing and GIS in identifying optimal fishing zones, supporting Bangladesh’s efforts toward sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation.Read more
Implementing Zero Dumping in Maritime Sectors of Bangladesh: Environmental Law Perspectives
Author: Abue Jawfore Taufique Ahamed Ahade, Sifat Tasnim, Mahir Ibne Mahfuz DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1041
While up-to 90% of world's goods are transported through the sea, shipping industry is leaving its mark on nature too. Dumping from the ships has become a concern for world community since 1950 and London Convention and Protocol is the result of the idea of sustainable shipping, for best of both worlds. But no basin country of Bay of Bengal, including Bangladesh signed any of those and didn’t take strong position against the dumping. As a result, environmental degradation, imbalance in eco system, introduction of hazardous substance, extinction of species has been noticed in this region. It should be our prime concern to adopt strict laws against dumping in the sea and set the goal of “zero dumping” gradually. The concept of Zero dumping is promising, but hard to achieve and it may take years to implement it. This paper explores the current legal framework governing marine pollution, both national and international, particularly the practice of dumping waste, and advocates for the implementation of a "Zero Dumping" policy in the maritime sector of Bangladesh. It highlights the probable challenges Bangladesh may face to adopt Zero dumping by analyzing socio-economic condition of the country. By analyzing international conventions, existing Bangladeshi laws, and environmental policies and challenges of implementation of Zero dumping, this research aims to provide a comprehensive plan to create legal instruments on mitigating marine pollution. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of sustainable maritime practices to ensure the protection of marine biodiversity and align with global environmental goals.Read more
Quantifying the Effects of Blue Carbon Storage Considering Coastal Landscape Change in Hatiya and Manpura Islands of Bangladesh: A Remote Sensing Approach
Author: Khan Mohammad Ibtehal, Taspiya Hamid, Nigomananda Biswas, Shafiq Reza, Abdullah Al Mahmud, Md Minarul Hoque DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1040
Over the last three decades, the coastal landscapes of Hatiya and Manpura islands in Bangladesh have experienced significant changes, resulting in notable variations in carbon storage both temporally and spatially. This study utilized seven sets of remotesensing images from the Landsat Satellite website, capturing data from both premonsoon and post-monsoon seasons, to analyze coastal landscape changes (CLC). Spatiotemporal variations in land use and land cover (LULC) classifications were assessed, alongside changes in carbon storage using the carbon-stock-assessment modules of the integrated valuation ecosystem services and tradeoffs (InVEST) model. The results were mapped using ArcGIS 10.7. The findings conceded that agricultural land, vegetation, and built-up areas increased over the study period, while water bodies decreased. Vegetation and water bodies accounted for the highest carbon storage and sequestration, followed by agricultural areas, bare soil, low-lying areas, built-up regions, and sandy soils. Hatiya Island demonstrated higher carbon capture than Manpura Island, with the study area collectively storing 6,822.95 Mg/hm² of carbon over the three decades. The results underscore the need for ecological interventions to enhance species’ well-being and maintain ecosystem health. The study highlights critical implications for strategic land-use planning, the adjustment of ecosystem carbon cycles, and informed policy development to address ongoing environmental changes.Read more
Exploring Bangladeshi Maritime Stakeholders' Perceptions of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships Integration
Author: Bappy Kumar Adhikary DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1039
Humanity has experienced and undergone three distinctive industrial revolutions since the dawn of civilization. The emergence of autonomous technology and automation ushered in a new era of industrialization called the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the shipping industry will be significantly impacted by the rapid advancements of automation and autonomous technology. The shipping sector is gradually transitioning from human-operated conventional shipping to the autonomous shipping concept. IMO was the first to adopt the term MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship) and is currently working towards the development of a 2028-scheduled mandatory goal-based MASS Code. Several developing maritime nations, including Norway, Finland, Japan, Korea, and China, have undertaken extensive research on this topic and demonstrated multiple autonomous vessel trials. Despite being a maritime nation and possessing a glorious maritime history, Bangladesh has yet to make any significant contributions to the autonomous shipping sector. Against this backdrop, this study delves into the case of Bangladesh, investigating the global development, and its stakeholder's perception of integrating MASS into its maritime landscape. A mixed methods approach (a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies) is utilized to examine the perceptions of Bangladeshi maritime stakeholders regarding the implementation of autonomous vessels. The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of MASS in Bangladesh's maritime domain.Read more
Towards Marine Environmental Sustainability of St. Martin Marine Protected Area: The 3P Model Perspective
Author: M Nazmul Hassan, Tafsir Matin Johansson DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1038
St. Martin – a recently declared Marine Protected Area (MPA) is faced with environmental challenges due to acts of negligence on the part of its coastal inhabitants, as well as the ongoing influx of tourists. Those and the resultant effects of overexploitation of marine living and non-living resources, destructive fishing practices, climatic impacts, and rapid population growth exacerbated by policy gaps threaten the marine ecology of St. Martin MPA. It is projected that such anthropogenic pressure fueled by climatic impacts is set to degrade its marine environment to an irreversible and unsustainable state. In addition, rapid population growth along with poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods for the islanders also undermines its sustaining capacity through higher consumption of natural resources. This research paper, through the prism of sustainability, focuses on exploring the environmental security threats and vulnerabilities of the St. Martin MPA. In doing so, it examines the conceptual underpinnings of the ‘3P’ Model that is deemed particularly relevant for the MPA, wherein the synergy between the pillars namely ‘policy’, ‘people’ and ‘preservation’ could optimally enhance marine environmental sustainability amidst the challenges faced in relation to blue growth. It further attempts to pave the way of the ‘3P Model’ to be implemented in the St. Martin MPA for reasons of sustainability. In doing so, the paper advocates measures towards marine environmental sustainability of St. Martin MPA taking lessons from global best practices.Read more
Numerical Investigation of Hydrodynamic Performance of a Symmetric Aerofoil in Openwater
Author: Shahan Malek Usham, Fida Mashfiha, Md. Mezbah Uddin DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1037
Symmetric aerofoils are crucial components in marine and aerospace engineering, particularly in applications like ship rudders and submarine fins. This study presents numerical investigation of hydrodynamic characteristics of a 2D symmetric aerofoil (NACA 0012) surface for a series of different angle of attacks (0° - 20°) with various combinations of flow velocities in open water. The pressure distribution and lift-drag characteristics at the mentioned angle of attacks for ideal ship speed 3 m/s to 8 m/s has been accounted based on CFD simulations. Simulations were performed using ANSYS Fluent with Spalart-Almaras turbulence model and numerical validation was performed with NASA’s experimental data for the same aerofoil. The results indicated that the maximum lift-to-drag ratio occurred at an 8 m/s flow speed and a stall angle of 17.5°. The analysis of pressure distributions indicated within each tested velocity that there were considerable changes experienced over the chord length, particularly in higher flow speed conditions. The findings provide essential insight for design and optimization of marine applications i.e., ship rudder, submarine fins etc. highlighting potential for improved efficiency and maneuverability in shipsRead more
Hydrodynamic Analysis and Selection of Airfoil for Efficient Hydrokinetic Turbine Design
Author: Mehedi Hassan Rifat, Md. Kutub Uddin, Farhana Arzu DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1036
Hydrokinetic turbines harness the energy of moving water in rivers, canals and artificial currents without requiring dams. The most critical aspect of maximizing power production is optimizing rotor design, which includes selecting the ideal hydrofoil. The performance of hydrokinetic turbines is determined by the lift-to-drag ratio of the selected foils, with high lift forces at low flow rates being essential for blade design. In this study, the hydrodynamic characteristics of ten different high-lift airfoils were analyzed through Structural Analysis Software QBlade (XFOIL Analysis), by measuring lift and drag coefficients and their ratios to identify the most appropriate airfoils for enhancing hydrokinetic turbine efficiency. The selected airfoils include several commonly used in wind turbines, as the operational principles of wind turbine and hydrokinetic turbine are similar. Due to water's higher Reynolds number (Rn) and broader angle of attack (AoA), a wide range of Rn and AoA were considered. The results show that NACA 4412, S1223 and FX74 offered superior lift coefficients, but FX74 and E421 surpassed other airfoils due to their higher lift-to-drag ratios, achieving 243.01 and 242.22 respectively at Rn 5,000,000, making them highly efficient for water energy harnessing. Symmetrical airfoils showed lower lift and glide ratios, making them less efficient than cambered profiles.Read more
Blue Swimming Crab: A New Entrapped Resource for Bangladesh Blue Economy
Author: Md Shamsul Alam Patwary, Abu Naim Muhammad Abdus Sabur, Shamima Yasmin, S. M. Mustafizur Rahman, Md Hasan Ali, Gaziur Rahman, Badrul Alam Shahin, Md Asadujjaman, Md Sharif Uddin, Muhammad Tanvir Hossain Chowdhury DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1035
The Bay of Bengal is one of the major habitats of blue swimming crabs (BSC) in the world, although commercial catching of it is currently restricted by the government of Bangladesh. However, it has a high demand but the present status and availability of the BSC is not well emphasized. Therefore, the study was designed based on the physical survey of the fishing communities and the fish landing centers covering the coastal belts of the country. Based on the survey, the approximate total volume of BSC by-catch was 14,150 ton/year and a small portion (approx. less than 5% only, i.e., approx. 707.50 ton/year) of this total catch was carried out by the fishermen to the landing ports for sell. The rest of the volume caught (approx. more than 95%, i.e., approx. 13,442.50 ton/year) was thrown away back to the Bay of Bengal. The current price in the market was very low, around 10-20 BDT/kg. Mainly it was caught as a by-catch, not being the regular catch. Currently, limited uses of the BSC by-catch include seafood item in local restaurants and as a low-price raw material for fish/poultry feed industries. As such, this volume of BSC by-catch made a considerable amount of post-harvest losses to our economy as a waste. In addition, the thrown back of the dead BSC by-catch in the sea water also imposed a threat to the marine environment which also demanded for proper attention of the concerned authorities. Thus, instead of allowing it to be a waste or a low value item, following the current practices of our neighboring and ASEAN countries, this wasted or low value BSC by-catch from the Bay of Bengal can be turned into an export earning resource and hence enhanced the growth of our blue economy, as it has high demand in the international market. Read more
Payra Port: Challenges of Sedimentation and the Way Forward
Author: Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan Khan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1034
The Payra port was established in 2013 on the bank of Rabnabad Channel with an aspiration not only to sustain the saturated country‟s seaborne trade and shipping but also to establish a Dhaka-Payra economic corridor for development, power generation, and sustainability. As an initial step, the port authority implemented capital and maintenance dredging of Rabnabad channel between August 2022 and April 2024 and vessels of drafts over 10 meters had started entering the port. However, the channel depth significantly reduces due to high sedimentation. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the annual sedimentation volume of Rabnabad channel for various depths and recommend a realistic approach for channel maintenance with a view to optimizing the dredging cost and assess the sustainability of the port. The study mainly adopted quantitative approach. The analysis indicated that, the main challenge of the port is the excessive sedimentation along the channel. The paper concluded that Payra port has potentials to emerge as 3rd economic corridor of Bangladesh. However, it requires strong commitment and a judicial funding of Government to give confidence to the investors and port operators that the desired depth of the access channel would be maintained for a long term.Read more
Development of A Python Code for Propeller Design Calculation And The Procedure of Additive Manufacturing of Propeller
Author: Sadman Sakib Dihan, Wasi Uddin Mahmud DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1033
Python is one of the prominent programming languages in today’s computing. This research aims to delineate the coding methodology employed to calculate a B-series propeller geometry data. First, geometry data is calculated and stored in an excel sheet. Subsequently, 2D section data of propeller blade is produced. Finally, the 2D data is converted into 3D co-ordinates in global X, Y, Z system. Such a program enables the user to compute, analyze, change and visualize the 3D section view of a propeller. In the realm of contemporary manufacturing techniques, additive manufacturing emerges as a highly prospective method. This paper aims to provide a structured method of the additive manufacturing process for a marine propeller. The propeller data produced from 'PropCad 2010' serves as the source data for creating 3D surfaces in 'SolidWorks 2017'. 'Ultimaker Cura 5.4.0' is thereupon utilized to generate G-code, which can be used to 3D print an entire propeller. The plausibility of the procedure was put to test through 3D printing a scaled plastic propeller. This paper ventures to present an introductory, step-by-step guide for manufacturing a marine propeller using this novel approach.Read more
Planktonic abundance and diversity in an upstream area of the northeastern Bay of Bengal: Rabnabad channel, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
Author: Syeda Jasia Firdaws, Most Israt Jahan Mili, Saif Khan Sunny, Md. Ashifur Rahman Shaheen, Md. Shafiq Reza DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1032
The Rabnabad channel, serving as the navigational route for the Payra Sea Port, is a significant upstream region in southern Patuakhali, Bangladesh. The channel holds significant economic value, supporting diverse aquatic resources and providing livelihoods for thousands of fishermen, yet it has been largely overlooked in ecosystem studies. Given its significance, the first initiative to study the planktonic community was carried out with the purpose of discussing the abundance and diversity. Field sampling and data collection were conducted in January 2021. A total of 30 phytoplankton species, belonging to 7 classes: Bacilariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Coscinidiscophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dynophyceae, Fragilariophyceae, Zygnematophyceae, and 7 zooplankton species across three classes: Branchiopoda, Copepoda, and Monogononta were identified. Among these, Coscinodiscophyceae (37%) was the most abundant phytoplankton class, while Branchiopoda (83%) dominated the zooplankton community. The highest phytoplankton and zooplankton abundances (48,101 cells L-1 and 12,643 cells L-1) were recorded in the upstream station, whereas lower abundances were observed at the estuary mouth where the channel meets the northern Bay of Bengal (BoB). Physicochemical parameters, including temperature (T), salinity (PSU), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and total dissolved solids (TDS), were also measured and found to have association with the planktonic distribution. TDS and salinity had a clear increasing trend from upstream to downstream stations, whereas plankton abundance showed a decreasing trend in the same direction. The species identified, along with the associated physicochemical data will provide a baseline for understanding the planktonic ecosystem of the Rabnabad channel. This will serve as a valuable reference to identify knowledge gap, and guide broader investigations into the ecosystem of the area throughout the seasons.Read more
Tide driven currents and Nutrient Distribution in the Naf River, Southeastern Coast of Bangladesh Utilizing Coupled Hydrodynamic and Ecological Model
Author: Rayhan Hossain, Md. Kawser Ahmed, Abu Hena Muhammad Yousuf, K M Azam Chowdhury, Rupok Loodh DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1031
A coupled hydrodynamic and ecological configuration was developed using the MIKE 3 model and its Ecolab module to simulate the tide-driven currents, surface elevation, components of the flow and water quality of the Naf estuary, along the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. The present study particularly focuses on the analysis of the local e tidal characteristics and properties of water quality, such as biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO) and nutrients, nitrate and phosphate) within the modeled domain. Water samples were retrieved from six different stations, spanning from (i) the mouth of Naf River, (ii) Shahparir Dwip jetty ghat, (iii) Near Jaliapara, (iv) Sabrang, (v) Teknaf and (vi) Kewari ghat Teknaf. The comparison of Model data with in-situ records showed a satisfactory agreement between the two datasets The highest surface elevation was found at 1.28 m in Kewari ghat and Teknaf because of the narrow area interested by the greatest value of high tide, while the highest current speed was 1.20 m/s in Shahparir Dwip jetty ghat area and lowest 0.0598 m/s in the river upstream area during low tide. Values of BOD close to 1.12 mg/L were found in Teknaf due to sewage and boat waste dumping from the surrounding towns. The DO concentration was as high as 5.89 mg/L in the downstream area. The highest nitrate concentration was equal to 1.58 mg/L in the upstream area of Kewari ghat and the highest phosphate concentration was 1.64 mg/L in the Sabrang area. The water-quality degrading components like nitrate (standard value 0.03-3.0 mg/L) and phosphate (standard value 0.1- 1.0 mg/L) were within acceptable ranges, suggesting that the Naf estuary conditions are suitable for the productivity of aquatic flora, fauna, and for a healthy estuarine environment.Read more
Nutrients and chlorophyll-a in the northern Bay of Bengal: the need for focused research on Bangladesh’s shelf.
Author: Most Israt Jahan Mili, Md. Ashifur Rahman Shaheen, Md Masud-Ul-Alam, Md. Shafiq Reza, Kayes Mohammad, Ashraful Moontahab DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1030
Nutrients and chlorophyll-a (chl-a) are critical to understanding marine ecosystem, yet in situ data on Bangladesh’s continental shelf remained sparse compared to offshore Bay of Bengal (BoB). This study addresses this gap by measuring chl-a and nutrients, including nitrate (NO₃⁻-N), nitrite (NO₂⁻-N), phosphate (PO₄³⁻), ammonia (NH₃-N) and silica (SiO₂) across the eastern continental shelf of Bangladesh. These observations were compared with data from the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) and relevant literature. Shelf in situ data varied as nutrients (mg l-1): nitrate: 1.8-5.3; nitrite: 0.002-0.008, phosphate: 0.02-0.12, ammonia: 0.42-5.2, silica: 0.5-3.0 and chl-a: 0.426 – 10.119 mg m-3. Trend observed in the order: nitrate > ammonia > silica > phosphate > nitrite. Nitrite and phosphate, characterized by relatively low concentrations, can act as limiting nutrients in this region. Weak correlations were observed between chl-a and most nutrients, with a moderate negative correlationbetween chl-a and silica (r = - 0.46) and a moderate positive correlation between nitrate and ammonia (r = 0.334). The concentrations of all in situ measured parameters weresignificantly higher than CMEMS-derived estimates, specifically adjacent to the coast. This underscores the need for a comprehensive, multi-seasonal investigation of the northern BoB’s continental shelf particularly focusing on measuring the riverine flux of these measured parameters into the BoB. These datasets are crucial for validating remote sensing observations and improving estimates in this understudied region.Read more
Geomorphic Characteristics of Coastal Beach using Geospatial Techniques: a Case Study of Kuakata Beaches, Bangladesh
Author: Md. Bahuddin Sikder, Piash Chowdhury, Syeda Ayshia Akter, Md. Najmul Kabir, Rawfur Nahar Rawfu DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1014
Coastal land formations along the beaches of Kuakata have experienced a dramatic shift of form and structure, both natural and anthropogenic interference. This is an application to map coastal landforms around the coast utilizing remote sensing and GIS techniques. Spatial data sources such as topographic charts, Landsat images, GCPs data and SRTM DEM databases have been comprehensively studied to analyze coastal landforms. Twenty-three geomorphic features covering 23.61 km2 were identified and further regionalized into three geographic processes. There is a need for time to consider unsustainable coastal structures in these geographical processes by finetuning the construction parameters and, at the same time, enable coastal systems to respond naturally to any form of variability. That flood plains comparatively have a low slope with fatter surface and cover grater area and complex fluvio-marine environment formed coastal upland which has a steeper slope. This paper intends to contribute several suggestions to the sustainable management of coastal resources and transforming quality ecosystem services for the future generation.Read more
Exploring Marine Tourism Potentials in Bangladesh
Author: Md. Ashikur Rahman Avi, Marufa Nasrin, Pierre Failler, Azizul Hassan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1015
Marine and Coastal tourism, one of the largest components of the tourism industry, is emerging as one of the most promising areas of the tourism sector in particular for the developing nations. While Bangladesh is rich in immense marine and coastal tourism resources, most of the potential for marine tourism remains unexplored; in particular, the tourism prospect of the Bay of Bengal is still in its infancy, making it an unutilized economic area. Therefore, this paper aims to focus on exploring the potentials of marine tourism in the context of Bangladesh. This paper is guided by a qualitative research approach in which both the primary and secondary data collection techniques have been utilized, and following thematic analysis and content analysis techniques, the collected data is analyzed. Based on the findings, the paper presents a number of recommendations for the development of marine tourism products and destinations for Bangladesh. This research is one of the first attempts in Bangladesh that have covered up a very timely and unexplored research area, and it is expected to help both macro and micro level administrators affiliated with tourism, educational institutions, and set a benchmark for future marine tourism researchers in Bangladesh.Read more
Study on The Hydraulics During The Construction of A Closure In A Tidal Channel at Meghna Estuary
Author: Anmol Haque, Md. Ataur Rahman DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1016
The study was conducted to assess the hydrodynamic changes during construction of a closure in a 4 km wide tidal channel between Subornachar and Swarnadip island located in the Meghna Estuary. Two construction methods have been considered - vertical and horizontal closing method. A 2D hydrodynamic model, MIKE-21FM, has been set up for the simulations of critical hydrodynamics at different construction stages of these two closing methods. For the horizontal closing method, seven construction stages were considered and for the vertical closing method five construction stages were considered. Model simulation shows that the maximum flow velocities during the construction of the closure simulated during neap flood tide vary from 1.43 m/s to 4.76 m/s at different stages of horizontal closing. For the vertical closing method, the simulated maximum flow velocities vary from 2.76 m/s to 3.88 m/s during neap flood tide. For such a wide channel having a width of 4 km, the vertical closing method of closure construction prevails more feasible as it has lower flow velocities during final construction stage as compared to horizontal closing method.Read more
Unlocking the potentials of Blue Biotechnology for sustaining ecological balance of Bangladesh
Author: Mohammad Nazir Hossain DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1017
Blue biotechnology- commonly known as marine biotechnology is considered as one of the most promising sectors in Bangladesh for sustainable development. As the movement of eco-efficient innovation gaining its popularity day by day therefore an advancement in blue biotechnology can contribute to develop a better environmental status by improvising the utilization of resources more efficiently. However, the development of eco-efficient innovations in marine biotechnology and its economic growth needs to accommodate three major network, namely political, economic, and scientific. These three triads are considered as the networking backbone of blue biotechnologies. Fine tuning and interaction of these three separate systems can contribute to the creation of a green sphere. The concept of this ecological sphere or green sphere in blue biotechnology eventually leads to invention of eco-friendly products. After the historical settlement of maritime dispute over India and Myanmar, the total maritime area Bangladesh approximates 207000 square kilometers which has enormous potential for the development of eco-efficient products by blue biotechnology. Though marine biotechnology has a wide-ranging scope but the degree of ecological modernization of sector greatly varies depending on need. At present, Bangladesh is solely depended on land-based food products. While the number of populations is rising exponentially, our land area is losing greenery everyday due to excessive use of land area for farming and creating habitat. Apart from this, our current industries and technologies are not up to the mark to meet the demand of such massive needs. Therefore, time has come to adopt new strategies to maintain ecological balance and save the habitats from further extinction. This article focuses on the necessity of blue biotechnology for supporting the growing needs and thus maintaining the ecological balance for a green Bangladesh.Read more
Characteristics of Sediment in the Inner Shelf Zone of Bangladesh
Author: M. Shahidul Islam, Eshita Akter, Premanondo Debnath, Md. Serajul Islam, Al Artat Bin Ali DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1018
The continental shelf zone of Bangladesh is one of the highest sediment deposition centers of the world. Sediment carried by the vast drainage system surrounding the shelf is widely distributed in the northern part of the Bay of Bengal, where the Swatch of No Ground (SoNG) acts as a triggering factor. In this study, the off-shore bottom sediments from six different locations (around the Bangabandhu Island, SoNG, Nijhum Dwip, Feni river mouth, Meghna estuary and Cox’s bazar) have been used for the analysis of particle size, particle shape, mineralogical properties and bio-markers. It has been found that the distribution of bottom sediments in the northern Bay is distinctive and lead by the land-ocean interface. The western part, part of central zone and eastern part of the shelf is dominated by coarse particles, whereas the greater part of the Meghna estuary is dominated by finer particles. The combined flow GangesBrhmaputra-Meghna rivers through the Meghna estuary is the main source of the coarse sediment influx. These sediments are drift westward to the SoNG. The particle shape shows that the sediments in western part are long-drifted and rich in heavy mineral concentration compare to the eastern part. The sediments in the eastern shelf are short-drifted, possibly derived from nearby hill ranges and/or localized erosion. The bio-marker (diatom) indicates that the greater portion of the Meghna estuary is a unique sediment regime and ecologically very sensitive. This estuarine belt is highly susceptible to marine pollution. However, for sustainable Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Bangladesh, interaction between land and ocean needs to be unraveled connectivity and recording the properties of sediments of the shelf zone could be a good proxy to unveil this links.Read more
International Convention and Prevention of Marine Pollution: Heavy Metal Concentration in the Bay of Bengal
Author: Abu Hena Muhammad Yousuf DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1019
International convention on marine pollution provided less attention for the protection of the marine environment and of the high seas beyond coastal areas. The Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment determined the concern regarding the whole marine environment, and emphatic reflection was done in the provisions of the Law of the Sea Convention. Eight heavy metals were analysed from both water and sediment samples of the Bay of Bengal (BoB). The decreasing trend of metals were observed in water samples: Zn (0.91±8.11) > Ni (0.78±0.72) > Cr (0.56±0.18) > Cu (0.16±0.24) > Pb (1.32±0.21) > As (1.14±0.95) > Hg (1.00±0.04) > Cd (0.07±0.03) μg/L and in sediment samples: Zn (46.53±23.57) > Cr (22.58±7.81) > Ni (21.17±12.17) > Pb (14.64±6.65) > Cu (13.04±8.19) > As (4.06±1.62) > Hg (0.03±0.02) > Cd (0.02±0.01) mg/kg. For the sustainability of the marine resources, the integration of Ecosystem Based Management and Marine Spatial Planning (EBM-MSP) provides a platform for different levels of governing bodies and stakeholders for the transparent, smooth and progressive decision-making process, that enables monitoring and surveillance in order to manage with future uncertain conditions.Read more
Marine Peptides Attenuate Oxidative Stress to Manage Diabetes And Diabetes- Related Parameters
Author: Md Atiar Rahman DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1020
An increasing prevalence of diabetes, in the last few decades, is known as a main risk for human health worldwide. Due to patience’s inconvenience, unaffordability and adverse effects of synthetic drugs, a large number of diabetic patients are in search of alternative therapeutics while marine products have been placed at the top. Marine peptides, among all marine products, are highly impactful due to their bioactive properties as potential nutraceutical and effective therapeutics. Therefore, this review has focused on the marine bioactive products having antioxidative effects leading to attenuate diabetes and diabetes-related complications. The manuscript also tried to understand the underlying mechanism for antidiabetic actions showed by the marine products especially marine peptides. A systematic literature review has been undergone to collect the relevant data on the said issue using authentic portals for biological and medical journals which displayed marine peptides and their derivatives having high antidiabetic effects, commercial values, wider pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets. Recent advances in the understanding of the effect of marine products explored their antioxidative potentials, regulation on glucose metabolism (including insulin-regulated glucose metabolism), enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and inhibition α-amylase activities. A large number of them are already in different phases of the clinical and preclinical pipeline. This review showcases the trends and prospects of marine products in the management of diabetes and diabetes-related complications for the future with special emphasis on mechanistic approach.Read more
Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100: Charting A Course For Sustainable Ocean Governance And Maritime Development
Author: M Khaled Iqbal, Wahid Hasan Kutubuddin DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1021
The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has approved the Delta Plan 2100 (BDP 2100) which is a holistic plan to integrate the activities of delta-related sectors across the country. BDP 2100 is a strategic planning document with long term strategies and multi-sectoral coordinated policy for the marine ecosystem and water resources development within the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Delta in the context of climate change and other socio-economic factors. Ocean governance is an indispensable part of the BDP 2100, which can contribute to the overall implementation of various sectors of delta management. This study concentrates on reviewing the BDP 2100 to explore the relevant provisions for sustainable ocean governance and maritime development of Bangladesh. The study explores the challenges for implementing the BDP 2100 and deliberates on the necessary legal, policy and institutional arrangements to reduce different unplanned infrastructure in the coastal area through the formulation of Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). The study emphasizes the necessity for a robust budgetary mechanism and governance structure so as to achieve the set targets in time. Moreover, the study reveals that strong regional cooperation and formulation of an Integrated Regional Delta Plan is essential to get the maximum dividends. Finally, emphasizing on higher maritime education and taking a proactive approach to the UNESCO declared ‘Decade of Ocean Science 2021-2030” are few inevitable spinoffs of this study in order to implement the BDP 2100 for sustainable maritime development for Bangladesh.Read more
Emerging Maritime Development in the Bay of Bengal - an opinion
Author: Md. Khurshed Alam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1022
Oceans and seas support all life by generating oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, recycling nutrients and regulating global climate and temperature, food and livelihoods to a substantial portion of the global population. Over 90% of planets living and nonliving resources are found within a few hundred kilometers of the coasts and nearly 2/3 of world population lives near the seacoast. The ocean acts as a great heat reservoir leveling and moderating the temperature extremes, provides the least expensive form of transportation and the coasts serve as a major recreational site. From time immemorial, the oceans and seas have been serving as international ways for ships and fishing grounds for fishermen and have long influenced human imagination, cultures and destiny. The direct promotion of the economy by providing food for livelihood, tourism, trade, shipping, ship building, ship recycling, health products and recreation is one of the major off set of ocean resources/blue economy management. Beyond fish worth 135 billion dollar and ships carrying 90% of cargoes, 200 billion dollar of tourism, seas and oceans also provide climate regulation covering 70% of the earth‟s surface. Mangroves, sea grass and salt marshes remove co2 from the atmosphere 10 times more than a tropical forest and store 3 to 5 times more than carbon thus decreasing the impacts of climate change and they are reducing the impacts of storm surge, erosion and flooding.Read more
Application of Ocean Color Remote Sensing for Managing the Bay of Bengal
Author: Md Rony Golder, Muhammad Abdur Rouf DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1023
Ocean color remote sensing has brought a new era in ocean management. A reasonable number of satellites are dedicated at present for providing ocean color data to boost up ocean management. The major satellites include MODIS, OCM-2, VIRS, OLCI, etc. Major applications of those sensors are identifying potential fishing ground and harmful algal bloom, tracking cyclone, determining oil slick, monitoring mangrove ecosystem and trends. Ocean color remote sensing offers many advantages over conventional procedures for example synoptic coverage, repeated observations, and area averaging. The absence of nearshore, particularly the area below 200 m depth of the Bay of Bengal, data is a major limitation of those sensors. The necessity of regional and bio-optical algorithms, atmospheric corrections, in-situ data validations, artificial neural networks, and the accuracy of those sensors is still a challenge for oceanographers. This study aims to address the preferable ocean color remote sensors and their importance of oceanic management in the Bay of Bengal.Read more
Trace metals in water, sediment and fishes of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta, Bangladesh: A Review
Author: Md. Kawser Ahmed, Seema Rani, Makidul Islam Khan, Pierre Failler, Md. Monirul Islam, Gordon Watson DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1024
The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Delta, a transboundary delta, is the world’s largest delta which is believed to be contaminated with many pollutants including heavy metals. This study systematically reviewed heavy metal pollution in water, sediments and fish in different rivers of the GBM Delta, Bangladesh. This study evaluated total 12 heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Hg, As, Zn, Cu, Fe, Co, Pb, Ni, Mn and Ba) which are mostly reported in different rivers of the GBM Delta. Most of the heavy metals’ mean concentration in water, sediments and fish exceeded the maximum permissible limits (MPLs) in the Buriganga, Bangshi, Dhaleshawri, Karnaphuli and Korotoa rivers because of direct or indirect discharge of significant levels of untreated industrial effluents, municipal sewage, domestic wastes and agricultural runoffs. However, the level of heavy metal contamination in water and sediments of the upper Ganges were below the MPLs. This might be caused by the effects of higher water flow in the river. The concentration of heavy metals in sediments and fish were reported much higher than waters as metals tend to deposit to the bottom of the water column and also accumulate in the fishes’ tissues. We conclude that a few of the rivers of GBM delta are highly contaminated by heavy metals and there is potential risk concern for ecosystem and public health. This study recommends effective waste management strategies to control heavy metals pollution in different rivers of the GBM Delta in future.Read more
An overview of the opportunities and challenges in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta and the Bay of Bengal in reference to climate change impact
Author: Aftab Alam Khan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1025
Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta and its extension in the Bay of Bengal is genetically related to delta progradation. Sediments of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta have been the principal source of opportunities in the perspective of georesources and ecosystem. Simultaneously the same sediments have been the major cause of many challenges this delta is facing since its formation. Terrestrial sediments from the Himalaya, deposited over the oceanic floor of the Bay of Bengal are the major source of oil, gas, gas hydrates, metallic and radioactive minerals in addition to all kinds of nutrients being supplied to the living organisms. Supply of more than one billion tons of sediments in the offshore delta every year provide opportunities in building prograding delta by accretion wherein one of the largest continental shelf advancing seaward through accumulating sediments to form numerous sand-bars and islands. However, all these opportunities are countered by the major challenges due to the recurring adverse events viz., massive siltation, inland and coastal flooding, deterioration of navigation routes, large scale land loss by bank erosion, submarine landslides, high pressure mud formation, free natural gas escape, cyclone, storm surge, saline water encroachment, security and pollution. These opportunities and challenges are not associated with climate change impact. Climate change is a natural phenomena that occurs in about hundred thousand years cycle of glacial and interglacial periods while the present Earth is passing through the interglacial period. The notion of climate change is an idea that circulates international diplomacy and domestic politics, and not the climate change in reality of the anthropocene time frame. Opportunities and challenges are associated with the variable physical and anthropogenic process operating in decadal to millennium time scale. The opportunities need to explore and nourish for the benefits of sustainable economic development. While, challenges are needed to face and manage by the good governance and by the proper professional human resource development and management. Read more
Geospatial Mapping of the Ecological Provinces: A Qualitative Study on the Ecosystem Services and Threats in the Coastal Zone of Bangladesh
Author: Sadia Zaman, Md. Tariqul Islam, Muhammad Mizanur Rahman, Subrata Sarker DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1026
‘Blue economy’ concept has opened a new window of opportunity for Bangladesh to exploit and utilize the coastal and marine resources in a sustainable way. To maintain sustainability and monitor the coastal ecosystems while exploiting resources for economic benefits, delineation of the major ecological provinces and systematic assessment of their ecosystems services is essential. This study aims to map and delineate the major ecological provinces of the coastal belt of Bangladesh. This study also aims to identify the ecosystem services provided by these ecosystems and finally to determine the threats of these ecosystems. Secondary data were collected through consultation and brief interviews with the experts on relevant fields, NGO’s and field observation was chosen to identify the ecosystem services and threats towards the ecological provinces. Landsat-5TM/7ETM imageries were used for mapping the ecological provinces and other secondary data sources such as policy review, journals and newspaper articles were also used. The major ecological provinces- mangrove, coral, estuary, salt marsh and turtle nesting were identified along the coastal belt and delineated. The most significant and unique ecosystem services of the ecosystem and key threats were identified qualitatively. Mangrove ecological province is the largest and most beneficial active ecosystem in both ecological and economic aspects but human intervention is imposing a major threat. The coral ecological province in Saint Martin’s island identified as the most vulnerable due to the constant tourism pressure. This study, however, recommended policy formulation and management planning to protect the coastal ecosystem to achieve sustainable development at the end.Read more
Gas Hydrate Potential Along The Eastern Continental Margin of India
Author: Maheswar Ojha, Ranjana Ghosh DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-10278
Bottom simulating reflector (BSR) is the main marker for the identification of gas hydrate in the subsurface sediments from seismic data. Based on BSRs mapped on the seismic sections, two national drilling, coring and logging programs were conducted in 2006 and 2015, respectively, which discovered a huge amount of gas hydrate along the Indian continental margin. The first Indian National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition 1 (NGHP-01) found gas hydrate as fracture-filled and pore-filled in fine-grained shallow sediments of Krishna-Godavari, Mahanadi and Andaman offshore basins. NGHP-02 was conducted in the deeper water parts of Krishna-Godavari and Mahanadi offshore basins to find gas hydrate deposits in the coarse-grained sediments. Well log and core data collected during the second expedition in 25 sites reveal a huge amount of gas hydrates distributed as pore-fill, fracture-fill and both pore- and fracture-fill (mixed) morphologies in sand and silt rich sediments. Rock physics modelling of sonic velocity and resistivity log shows that about 80-90% of the pore spaces are filled with gas hydrates at some depths, which are closely matching with available pressure core measurements. Lateral distributions of gas hydrate are delineated by integrating the well logs and seismic data. However, for the proper delineation and quantification of gas hydrate, characterisation of the reservoir is very important in terms of lithology, porosity, permeability, anisotropy and the morphology of gas hydrate distribution. Full waveform inversion of seismic data, advanced rock physics modelling and neural network technique, etc. are very useful for assessing the gas hydrate reservoirs. Based on certain assumptions, the estimated reserves in Indian offshore is about 1900 trillion cubic meters and 1% production can serve India’s energy requirement for a few decades. However, the estimated reserves should be further refined incorporating more drilling and coring data.Read more
The future of the Blue Economy in Bangladesh
Author: Pierre Failler, M. Gulam Hussain, M. Khurshed Alam, Subrata Sarker, Muhammad Abdur Rouf, Sheikh Aftab Uddin, Wahidul Sheikh Shemon, Daud Hassan, Jewel Das, SM Sharifuzzaman DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1028
Since 2014, the Government of Bangladesh has initiated discussions with stakeholders in order to adopt the concept of a ‘blue economy’ across relevant policies and strategies. By definition, the blue economy fosters the idea of sustainably deriving economic value from the untapped potential of marine resources using sustainable solutions and innovations for increasing food security, improving nutrition and health, alleviating poverty, creating jobs, increasing trade and industrial profiles while protecting ecosystem health and biodiversity, and maintaining regional peace and security. This policy paper focuses on Bangladesh’s transition to a blue economy through the analysis of existing and potential sectorial opportunities and constraints. It also provides a way forward in terms of actions to be carried out for the sustainable development of ocean economy sectors. It has been elaborated on the outcome of the Joint Collaboration on Blue Economy between the Government of Bangladesh and its development partners such as the European Union, the World Bank and the UK Research institutions such as the University of Portsmouth.Read more
Identification and valuation of ecosystem services of the Sundarbans mangrove forest: existing scenario and the way forward towards blue governance in Bangladesh
Author: Md. Nazmul Ahsan, Adolphe O. Debrot, Pierre Failler DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i2-1029
Characterized by tidal flats, natural levees and the unique Sundarbans mangrove forest, the coastal zone of Bangladesh is regarded as one of the most productive ecosystems of the world due to regular flush of nutrient rich silts and supply of organic matters from the mangroves. Over the last few decades, however, changes in land use pattern including clearing of mangroves for settlement and agriculture, construction of embankments along the coast to boost rice production and conversion of saline waterlogged agricultural lands to shrimp farming have redefined the coastal landscape and damaged the ecosystem of the coast and the Sundarbans. The tidal forest provides a wide range of ecosystem services (ES) to millions of coastal people, yet unsustainable extraction of resources and traditional economic development continue further jeopardizing the ES potential of mangroves. Lack of knowledge on the value of mangroves ES are largely responsible for such unsustainable practices. True valuation of mangroves ES is a daunting task because all the services cannot be quantified in tangible monetary terms; consequently, efforts in this regard are lacking. Hence, identification of ES and understanding their interplay are crucial to apprehend the actual value of the Sundarbans and its biosphere-supporting contribution to the dynamic delta. This is also necessary to understand how the mangroves ES are contributing to the wellbeing of the coastal community of Bangladesh whose lives and livelihoods are directly dependent on a healthy ecosystem.Read more
Quantifying the Pollutants and their Environmental Impact by Ships Operating on Inland Waterways in Bangladesh
Author: Md. Mehedi Islam Limon, Md Munir Hassan, Mohammad Azharul Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1030
Bangladesh is a riverine country with a vast network of rivers, canals, creeks, and water bodies. In Bangladesh, the river network is thought to be a safe and economical mode of transportation. Near about seventeen thousand different types of registered vessels and numerous unregistered vessels are plying on inland waterways in Bangladesh. However, the large number of vessels operating on the inland waterways makes them particularly susceptible to environmental pollution. By directly disposing of bilges, solid wastes, oily water, and ballast water in addition to the air pollution caused by the operation of engines and other machineries, inland waterways are becoming polluted. In this article, the number of vessels registered with the Department of Shipping under the Inland Shipping Ordinance-1976 is demonstrated. For the study, four types of vessels such as passenger vessels, cargo vessels, oil tankers, and sand carriers have been taken. Then the quantification of different pollutants by inland shipping operations has been shown. The total discharge of solid waste, oily water, ballast water, and bilges has been estimated through the collection of secondary data from available sources through the usage of basic statistical methods. The impact of pollution by different pollutant components is described in this research. The impact of rising CO2, emission of SOX, and impacts of different fossil fuels on humans and the ecosystem are described elaborately. Besides, the impacts of oil spills, discharge of bilge & oily-water from inland ships, disposal of ballast water at the waterways, impacts of anti-fouling coatings, and environmental impacts by dredging are discussed as well.Read more
Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones (Amendment) Act, 2021: An In-Depth Analysis and Overview
Author: C.A.M. Al Wahi, Md. Al Mehedi Hasan Talukder, Abue Jawfore Taufique Ahamed Ahade DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1031
The Bangladesh Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones (Amendment) Act, 2021 is a prominent piece of legislation that establishes and controls Bangladesh's maritime borders. The legislative act grants the country the power to assert jurisdiction over the investigation, utilization, and preservation of resources inside its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The act of legislation described above serves to protect the sovereign rights of the nation within its territorial waters and marine zones, establishing a clearly defined legal framework for the exercise of its authority in these areas. Furthermore, the legislative act serves to promote the progress of sustainable development within the maritime sector by enacting methods that discourage illicit activities such as maritime piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing. The enactment of the Act has effectively safeguarded the maritime environment of Bangladesh and facilitated the advancement of sustainable development of maritime resources. This comprehensive study aims to thoroughly examine the various aspects of the aforementioned statute, delving into its consequences, applicability, and impact on the academic field of marine studies. Extensive research will be done to investigate these dimensions in scads. Read more
Opportunities and Challenges for Tourism Utilizing Inland Waterways Transportation in Bangladesh
Author: Kaniz Fatima, M Shahid Ullah, KH M Nazmul Alam, Ajmira Bente Jannaty DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1032
In today’s world, tourism is gaining popularity very rapidly, both domestically and internationally. In Bangladesh also, buoyed by the economic growth and uprising living standards, the number of tourists has been increasing significantly every year. However, there is very scant involvement of maritime transportation sector in it, although the majority of tourism attractions and resources are situated along coastal area and river banks of the country. Cruise and passenger shipping have enormous contribution in tourism sector worldwide. Yet, it is a kind of untapped market in Bangladesh’s scenario. This study aims to find the opportunities and challenges to integrate water-based transportation sector in mainstream tourism industry of Bangladesh and the possible strategies in achieving it. To achieve this goal, the research is developed focusing on the popular and potential marine tourism destinations and activities within Bangladesh, keeping in mind the waterways connectivity of these places with major cities. A survey would be conducted to analyze public perception and interest in maritime tourism. The study has identified a number of challenges for the development of maritime tourism sector, key challenges being inadequate navigational facilities and infrastructure and lack of diversity in tourism products and destinations. To mitigate the challenges, few prospective tourism attractions with possible IWT routes have been proposed. Recommendations such as introduction of diverse tourism activities, ways to improve navigability and infrastructure, ensuring hassle-free one stop service for tourists have been discussed, on the basis of secondary data and the conducted survey.Read more
Financial and Cost Accounting Practices of the Shipbuilding Industry of Bangladesh
Author: Emranul Hoque, Shahnaz Akter DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1033
The government of Bangladesh is providing various financial incentives like reduced tax rates, lower import duties, and export subsidies to the shipbuilding industry of the country. Financial soundness along with a growing domestic market, competitiveness for the international small vessel segment, availability of skilled engineers and workers, and availability of shipbuilding cluster are necessary for the next step development of the shipbuilding industry. The aim of this study is to explore the current financial and cost accounting practices, identify the relationship among the variables, and find out the significance of the factors that affect the current financial and cost accounting practices of the shipbuilding industry of Bangladesh. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlation analysis, and a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM)-BWM have been applied to analyze the data. The study shows that there is a positive perception among professionals regarding the expert knowledge of qualified accountants and the application of cost and management accounting. It also reveals that the relationship between the ACC and QFA, IC and CFR are significantly highly positive on the other hand the CMA and QCA, MCC and MPV are also highly and moderately positive respectively. The result of this study suggests increasing the qualification of financial and cost accountants so as to increase the accuracy of financial reporting that affects the potential investors’ perception of the industry.Read more
Spatial Distribution of Physicochemical Parameters for Quality of Coastal Seawater at Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh
Author: Imtiaz Ahmed Sakib, Ferdousi Begum, Farhana Akter, Md. Arman Hossain, Md. Abu Bin Hasan Susan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1034
Bangladesh, a nation situated on the Bay of Bengal's northern shore, is endowed with an abundance of natural resources. Saint Martin's Island is only coral-bearing island in Bangladesh Although marine biodiversity of this island is extremely rich due to its ideal habitat, but for natural disasters, many forms of pollution, and other man made activities, the marine ecosystem is always under threat. As a result, it is crucial to understand the current physicochemical status of the seas surrounding the island. In this study, Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) Interpolation Method was applied to calculate the value of physicochemical parameters at un sampled locations within the scope of the point observations during dry seasons. Coastal seawater samples were collected from nine sampling stations and further analyzed to monitor the spatial distribution of seawater quality through the measurement of physicochemical parameters: pH, temperature, salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), density, dissolved oxygen (DO), viscosity, turbidity and refractive index using different methods. Correlation analysis of the spatial distribution of different parameters showed strong correlations between the parameters. The spatial distribution of concentration nutrients such as nitrate (NO3−) and phosphate (PO43−) were also observed to be critical indicators of seawater quality throughout the surrounding of the island. From the analysis of interpolated distribution of various seawater quality parameters along with concentration of nutrients, it was found that the seawater quality parameters during the sampling season were within the standard limit of characteristics of the seawater. In other words, it was further revealed that TDS, density, viscosity, refractive index, salinity, EC and DO significantly higher than that of permissible limit of drinking water recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) but well in standard in case of permissible limit of seawater. Thus, seawater quality parameters in the coastal area varied on spatial scales and these results may serve as baseline information for coastal management, specifically for the Saint Martin's Island.Read more
Language Barriers, Miscommunication and Marine Accidents
Author: Kh. Atikur Rahman DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1035
With the exponential growth in international trade and commerce in recent decades, the number of goods transported by ships has increased. To overcome the scarcity of seafarers and minimize the cost of recruitment, shipping companies have been employing foreign crews, but such recruitments, although inevitable, cause many marine accidents due to language barriers and miscommunication in multilingual and multicultural ship environments. Taking metadata from both academic and non-academic sources and applying analytical methodologies, this review article analyzes marine accident reports to ascertain the influence of language barriers and miscommunication on the causes of the incidents. In addition, factors influencing miscommunication have been identified and risk of miscommunication was assessed qualitatively alongside giving suggestions so as to lessen language barriers and risk of miscommunication.Read more
Rainfall Variation Between Day and Night: A Case Study at Around the Patenga Sea Coast, Bangladesh
Author: Mohammad Saifur Rahman, Md. Enamul Hoque, Md. Atiqur Rahman DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1036
In this study, 3-hourly rainfall data of 10 years (2008-2017) were analyzed to have a clear insight of rainfall variation between day and night around the Patenga coastal area of Bangladesh. Both descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted to examine the variation between day and night, to detect the time when rainfall is minimum and maximum, and ARIMA model, which stands for Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average, was applied to predict the highest and the lowest future trend of rainfall. The study revealed that midnight rainfall dominated the study area with a maximum rain at late night, precisely 3 AM. Contrary to this, comparatively lower rainfall was observed at day-time with the least rain around 3 PM. However, trend analysis depicted a significant downward trend of rainfall midnight, though it was one of the most maximum rainfall hours. Moreover, the ARIMA model predicted a 3 AM and 3 PM forecast for 2018-2027, where +11.85 mm rainfall per year for 3 AM and +0.52 mm per year for 3 PM were predicted.Read more
Lessons, Challenges, and Sustainable Futures from a Comparative Analysis of Marine Spatial Planning Strategies in Bangladesh
Author: Md Shamim Raze, Tanmay Kumar Das DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1037
This review study examines Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in Bangladesh, examining unique methodologies and obstacles. Bangladesh, located in the Bay of Bengal, has experienced a growing significance of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) due to its reliance on coastal fisheries, agriculture, and aquaculture. Bangladesh has achieved significant progress in implementing Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) by employing a comprehensive policy framework, engaging relevant stakeholders, and utilizing illustrative case studies despite facing challenges such as data shortages, specific institutional frameworks, and climatic sensitivity. This analysis elucidates the shared focus on ecosystem-based management, stakeholder engagement, and climate resilience. Lessons highlight the need to employ context-specific methodologies and promote data sharing and capacity development. Recommendations strongly support the ongoing emphasis on these facets and promoting trans boundary collaboration. The potential for achieving resilient and sustainable marine futures amidst changing global dynamics is promising through collaborative endeavors among Bangladesh and other Asian nations and active regional involvement.Read more
Integrating Climate Change in Coastal and Maritime Tourism Development in Bangladesh
Author: Jannatul Ferdaus, Md Saiful Islam, Marzia Khandaker Momo, Md Kamrul Hassan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1038
Coastal and marine environment is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Bangladesh. One of the main reasons for this popularity is that the world’s longest sea beach and the largest mangrove forest are located here. Coastal and maritime tourism (CMT), therefore, is a major domain of tourism sector of Bangladesh. However, CMT is projected as one of the most vulnerable tourism domains to climate change. In fact, climate change poses a huge risk to entire coastal areas of Bangladesh due to its geographical location and geo morphological characteristics. Therefore, integrating climate change in CMT development in Bangladesh is indispensable. This study identifies rich CMT resources of Bangladesh and explores how the global climate change is affecting them. Coastal erosion, inundation of land, loss of biodiversity, coral bleaching, and salinity intrusion are recognized as significant impacts of global climate change on CMT sector of Bangladesh. The study also suggests some adaptation strategies to address these impacts that would help the government, tourism industry and coastal communities in harnessing the coping strategies towards global climate change.Read more
Climate Change Triggered Livelihood Vulnerability of Small-scale Fishermen along the Coastal Belt of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Author: Sadia Afrin, Abrar Shakil, Tashrif Mahmud Minhaz DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1039
The ability to adapt is related to the significant effects that climate-related disasters have on people's livelihoods in Cox's Bazar and other coastal areas of south-eastern Bangladesh. Small-scale fishery-based households are especially susceptible to climate change and natural disasters. However, this topic hasn't gotten much in-depth consideration in this area. The exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capability that regulate the livelihood vulnerability to climate-triggered catastrophes in Cox's Bazar coast were thus investigated. A number of 100 households were surveyed from the five distinct small-scale fishermen community (i.e., Chowfoldandy, Khurushkul, Nuniachara, Doria Nagar, and Monkhali) along Cox’s Bazar coast. The data were processed and index to find the livelihood vulnerability index according to IPCC. Overall livelihood vulnerability score was 0.47 that denotes moderate vulnerability to climate variability. The exposure was found moderate of which sensitivity was found low. However, a moderate adaptive capacity was observed in the study area that may compensate livelihood vulnerability in some extent. A cooperative interaction between government organizations and the community could result in fresh insights on strategies for reducing climate risk, the cost-effective adoption of creative adaptation solutions, social inclusion, and empowerment in terms of opportunities for livelihood.Read more
Lead Concentration in Commercially Valuable Fish Species from Hatiya Island, Bangladesh
Author: Taspiya Hamid, Abdullah Al Mahmud, Saif Khan Sunny, Tasmira Hamid DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1040
This investigation was carried out to determine lead (Pb) contamination and the potential human health risk from this contamination of five commercially valuable fish species collected from Hatiya Island at the river mouth of the Meghna River. The concentration of Pb was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Moreover, Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) were used to determine the human health risk of Pb. The highest concentration of lead was found in Pangas (Pangasius pangasius) (2.87 mg/kg), followed by Loitta (Harpadon nehereus) (2.72 mg/kg), Bata (Cirrhinus reba) (2.47 mg/kg), Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) (2.14 mg/kg) and Poa (Otolithoides pama) (1.81 mg/kg). Based on the findings, Pb accumulation was found highest in Pangas fish collected from the Island. The average concentration of Pb was higher in the brackish water fishes than in the freshwater fishes. In addition, comparative studies revealed that the amount of Pb found in the samples was much higher than the recommended values, and similarity was found with the previous studies conducted in the Meghna River estuary. However, potential health risks were found higher for children from the assessment. This study ranked the concentration of Pb among five different fishes as follows: Pangasius pangasius > Harpadon nehereus > Cirrhinus reba > Oreochromis mossambicus > Otolithoides pama. EDI, THQ, and CR revealed that Pb levels were significantly elevated, posing substantial risks to human health., the condition was not yet concerning for any age group. However, EDI, THQ, and CR all suggested that the threat due to Pb was not concerning yet.Read more
Abundance, Composition, Spatial Distribution and Management Practices of Marine Litter Along the Bay of Bengal Coast of Bangladesh
Author: Md. Kawser Ahmed, Michael Bennett, Md. Ohiduzzaman, Md. Habibullah-Al-Mamun, Seema Rani, Md. Saiful Islam, Antaya March, Pierre Failler, Gordon Watson DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1041
This study provides an assessment and characterization of marine litter pollution among various beaches of the Bay of Bengal coastline of Bangladesh, through standardized surveys. The data suggests that marine litter density was greatest in areas where anthropogenic activity was highest, such as Cox’s Bazar (a popular tourist attraction) and Chittagong (second largest urban concentration in the country). The majority of collected litter originated from domestic and recreational sources, indicating that marine litter pollution is of local origin instead of being washed ashore through ocean current deposition; as well as further emphasizing the pattern of increasing marine litter pollution with increasing human presence. Plastic, polystyrene, and paper and cardboard litter was present among all sites surveyed, with plastic dominating in abundance. Limited beach cleaning activities were being conducted among the beaches surveyed, and marine litter management programmes were also limited. Recommendations include the provisioning of increased numbers of refuse bins, the development of long-term monitoring programmes on the coastlines as well as along marine litter source pathways, reviewing the “National Municipal Solid Waste Management” program, and the development of a National Marine Litter Policy to reduce and control marine litter pollution along the shores of Bangladesh. The application of these recommendations are likely to contribute to regional and global initiatives such as the upcoming Global Plastics Treaty.Read more
Necessity of Entrepreneurship Program in Maritime Education in Bangladesh
Author: Mohammad Musa DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-i1-1042
Entrepreneurship is often pictured as launching a new business to make a profit. Entrepreneurs have the potential to become thought leaders in their respective fields, which can be a natural outcome. Nowadays, more self-motivated people want to shape their future and become independent professionally. Entrepreneurship programs in higher education can improve people’s lives and create high job satisfaction. Increased wages and a decline in unemployment are linked to greater success levels in entrepreneurship education. To produce more young entrepreneurs in the future, numerous universities worldwide are currently enhancing their entrepreneurship education curricula. This type of educational program is constantly being examined to ensure its structure meets the outside world's demands. Though entrepreneurship programs are incorporated in most reputed universities, such programs are still not prominent in maritime education. The present study uses a survey-based technique to determine the necessity of entrepreneurship programs in maritime education in Bangladesh. The findings suggest that maritime professionals and students feel that entrepreneurship programs should be introduced in maritime education in Bangladesh to shape the future of the maritime industry. Read more
Marine Litter: A Persistent Cumulative Threat to Bangladesh Environment
Author: Zawata Afnan*, Syeda Masuma Khanam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1042
These days, marine litter is a fundamental, all-encompassing issue brought on by human activity, whether deliberate or not. Bangladesh's marine litter has been the subject of very little research. In the South Asian Seas (Region), the Department of Environment has been tasked with preparing a Country Report on Marine Litter in Bangladesh as part of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme . The University of Dhaka surveyed Bangladesh's coastal region to prepare the country report. The extent and severity of marine litter and plastic pollution at Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar Sea Beach are examined in this article, along with the laws and policies the Bangladesh Government has implemented to address the growing threat posed by marine litter.Read more
Smart Port Management Practices and Implementation: An Interpretive Structural Modelling Approach
Author: Mohammed Mojahid Hossain Chowdhury, Mohammed Al Shareef, Md. Mostafa Aziz Shaheen, Sunanda Majumdar DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1043
Port operations and management, like other industries, are undergoing a digital transformation process that influences existing business models and operational practices in a multifaceted way. The transformation in the industry through the adoption of different technological devices, mainly termed smart port, could bring profitability, sustainability, and operational efficiency in the port operations and systems. The study aims to explore the smart port management framework, practices, and barriers to implementing smart port practices in considering the context of Chattogram port authority (CPA). Existing literature has rigorously been analyzed to frame the smart port structure. Furthermore, the three related groups of CPA, namely port users, port administrators and wider port communities, have been surveyed to investigate the barriers to implementing smart port practices. In that case, interpretive structuring modeling (ISM) has been used to find the cause-and-effect relationship among the drivers. It has been identified that the technological knowledge of port users and employees and resistance to changing the status quo are the influential barriers to implementing smart port practices at CPA. However, the barriers of the port governance model and govt. patrons and support have been found as the driving factors in implementing smart port practices. The study expects to have an immense impact on the adoption of smart port practices in developing countries like Bangladesh.Read more
Necessity of DNA barcoding to identify prospective marine organisms in Bangladesh
Author: Maksuda Akter, Firoza Rahman, Sheikh Shohag, Mohammad Nazir Hossain DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1044
Marine biodiversity is more critical than terrestrial. Marine species identification is difficult because of their variation. DNA barcoding is the scientific process where a short DNA fragment is used to identify species. The DNA sequence of unknown species is compared to the reference library of such DNA markers. Various gene regions are used in DNA barcoding. Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI or COX1) is most commonly used in species identification which is found in mitochondrial DNA.16S rRNA gene is widely used in prokaryotes. On the other hand, the 18S rRNA gene is used for microbial eukaryotes. Recently COI sequences were identified from 29 species of threatened fish in Bangladesh. Recently, 237 freshwater fish species DNA was sequenced, and 12 new species have been identified by DNA barcoding. Bangladesh has a maritime area of about 207000 square kilometers which is full of potential marine organisms. However, no systemic approach has been taken so far to identify these vast marine resources of commercial importance that may contribute to the blue economy. This article depicts the necessity of DNA barcoding for molecular identification and characterization of different potential marine organisms.Read more
A Remote Sensing Approach for Identifying and Mapping the Coastal Urban Heat Island in Bangladesh through Temperature Modeling
Author: M. R. Ashikur, M. H. Sazzad, R. S. Rupom DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1045
The coastal urban region is one of the economic hubs of development in Bangladesh and its land use/ land cover (LULC) and land surface temperature (LST) have been changing continuously for massive upliftment which gives the aftermath of the urban heat island (UHI). This study explored the pattern of LULC and LST changes for the years 2010, 2015, and 2020 and identified the hot and cool locations in 2020 of the Khulna Development Authority (KDA) area. Landsat 7 enhanced thematic mapper (ETM) multitemporal images were used and remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) techniques were applied for identifying and mapping the output. The results have mentioned that almost 19 % of the buildup area has increased in 2020 compared to 2010 whereas it dominates the loss of wetland vegetation, water bodies, agricultural land, and trees and bushes. The contribution index (CI) has revealed that increasing buildup areas promote to raise in the LST which has increased around 7o C over the past decade. The study also identified that about 28 Mouzas were considered hot islands in 2020. This study will be helpful to understand the impacts of LST change and potential hot and cool islands to propound appropriate policy measures to superintend it.Read more
Estimate of Emission Caused by the Operation of Proposed Support Service and Utility Vessels for Chittagong Port
Author: M Reaz H Khondoker, K Rasel Hasan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-10468
The maritime traffic passing through Chittagong port grows by roughly 10–14% annually. The growth in freight handling and ship calls at Chittagong Port since the 1990s, when open market economics and trade facilitation policies were implemented, has made it necessary for the port to expand and upgrade a number of maritime services. It has been found that various types of support, service, and utility vessels are required for the majority of marine service delivery. Based on the expected handling capability of the Chittagong port with respect to conceptual traffic and other port growth over the next three (three) decades, the need for an adequate number of support, service, and utility vessels has been assessed in light of this. Support, service, and utility vessel operations in a marine port, like those of commercial shipping, are one of the main sources of air pollution since the vessels' powerful diesel engines emit a lot of greenhouse gases. This study estimates the shipping emissions produced by proposed support, service, and utility vessels based on actual vessel operations and engine power data. As a result, it is necessary to investigate the generation of emissions caused by the operations of these support, service, and utility vessels.Read more
Determining Tourism Carrying Capacity of Inani Beach, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Author: Md Saiful Islam, Marzia Khandaker Momo, Md Kamrul Hassan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1047
Tourism carrying capacity (TCC) is often discussed, calculated and implemented in popular tourist destinations as every destination has a capacity to accommodate tourists, beyond which it cannot serve. Therefore, for a given destination, the number of tourists must be kept at an optimum level in order to preserve the natural and/or manmade attractions. Inani Beach is a popular sea beach in Cox’s Bazar receiving thousands of tourists every year. This beach is famous not only for its natural boulders and sandy beach, but also for being home for endangered red crabs. However, the TCC of Inani Beach is not yet calculated and therefore the natural beauty and the colony of red crabs are under threat due to overtourism. This study assesses the TCC of Inani Beach employing the Cifuentes method with some modifications. Findings show that the TCC of Inani Beach is a total of 2,883 tourists per day divided into two sessions (3 hours per session of the 6 hours during the high tide in daylight), so the maximum number of tourists in each session is 1441. The study contributes to TCC literature in the context of Bangladesh and also will assist the government and private sector to improve strategy and policymakingRead more
Textbook and teaching materials evaluation: A Top-down understanding
Author: Kazi Dawood Hafiz, Kh. Atikur Rahman, Prodhan Mahbub Ibna Seraj, Mariam Begum DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1048
Abstract Textbook evaluation and selection is not an easy activity. It asks for time, energy, experience, expertise and many other internal and external things. It involves many people especially those who are in charge of making decision. Textbook evaluation is a very important part of the professional activities of the teachers. The decision is usually made democratically. Autocratic decision is quick but risky. So, the whole process is a team effort. This article shows how a technique can be followed to select textbooks in such a way that everyone involved can contribute. It shows different criteria of selection as well as a structured form of selection and evaluation. It also shows how selection criteria can be established and weighted, and how textbooks can be selected using these criteria. A meaningful comparison/contrast between explicit and intuitive decision is also presented in this article.Read more
65-Day Marine Fisheries Ban Period: Bangladesh’s perspective on Blue Economy
Author: Najmus Sayadat, Md. Towfiqul Arif, A.N.M. Nazim Uddin, S. M. Mustafizur Rahman, Md. Mukhlesur Rahman, Shoukot Kabir Chowdhury, K M Shahriar Nazrul, Sarker Mohammed Rafiqul Alam, Md Asadujjaman, Muhammad Tanvir Hossain Chowdhury DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1049
The concept of a Blue Economy came in front of the nation when Bangladesh won the maritime boundary dispute with Myanmar in 2012 and with India in 2014. Marine fishing is considered one of the important avenues in utilizing BE for Bangladesh. Since 2015, Bangladesh has introduced a 65-day marine fisheries ban period (from May 20 to July 23 of each year) in the Bay of Bengal to ensure the conservation of fish stocks and productive breeding grounds. While the fishing ban is expected to achieve this goal along with meeting the Goal of SDG 14, no study is conducted on how far the ban is implemented in achieving its goal. This study investigates relevant stakeholders‟ perspectives in understanding the implementation of the 65-day fishing ban and its subsequent results. The study is conducted with a qualitative research approach, in which data is collected from interviews and secondary sources. Data analysis is done in the form of discourse analysis and content analysis. Based on policy design goals, perceived policy outcome, and stakeholders‟ satisfaction, the policy performance is found „nearly successful‟. It is also found that though there is a high level of political commitment, moderate to the higher extent of law enforcement and satisfactory level of community engagement, moderate extent of policy incentive to the fishing community and moderate extent of organizational capacity may have contributed to the perceived implementation deficit. Therefore, a more pragmatic approach might be useful in creating a balance between economic benefit, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.Read more
The Marine Fisheries Act 2020: An Appraisal
Author: Sunanda Majumdar, Khalid Mahmud Bappy, Sheikh Mehbuba Moitree, Md. Sarjahan Hossain DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1050
Fisheries are absolutely an important source of income for Bangladesh. Sea Fishing Sector gives a huge revenue income to Bangladesh from the domestic and international markets. To regulate the Sea Fishing sector Bangladesh has passed Marine Fisheries Act, 2020 by repealing the previous Marine Fisheries Ordinance 1983. The aims of the new enactment is to exploited and preserve the marine fishing resources for greater national interest and also keep pace with the UNCLOS standard. The Act has already shown that it has some limits which is discovered through the analysis throughout this paper. The Challenges Bangladesh is facing with the fishing sector and how much the Act can help with the challenges & its’ flaws in proper maintenance are discussed here. Also, whether an amendment is needed or not can be found here. Moreover, the pricehike of the fishing vessels Deep sea and their shortcomings, and the struggles of fishermen are identified. The answer of the question of why Bangladesh has not sent any ships to the Deep sea zone yet has also been mentioned here. Also, what measures to be taken for this are examined and analyzed. The paper has tried to give recommendations where it is needed from the legal and administrative perspective to enhance the business and economic prospects. Overall, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possibilities, prospects, and Drawbacks of Deep sea Fishing- underlined under this Act.Read more
A Review of the Blue Economy of Bangladesh through the Marine and Coastal Tourism Lens
Author: Azra Rifat*, Rezoana Alam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1051
This paper is a review with aiming to provide an overview on the Marine and Coastal tourism of Bangladesh as an important contributor in the Blue Economy of Bangladesh. The study signifies the sustainable exploitation and conscientious management of oceanic resources to ascertain economic growth with improved livelihood and simultaneously preserve the ecological health of the ocean. The whole concept of the ocean and shore based sustainable economy is also named as Blue Economy. And in Bangladesh, Coastal and Marine Tourism or Maritime tourism is deemed to be the second-highest job-creating sector of the Blue Economy next to industrial fishing. Similar to other South- Asian regions and the Caribbean, Bangladesh is geographically blessed with a coastal area which is serving a significant part for contributing to the growth of the Ocean Economy. This review paper explored numerous research works from several sources based on the blue economy and maritime tourism development of the world and Bangladesh. Further, we have selected most suitable secondary data to portray the role of maritime tourism in the blue economy of Bangladesh. This exploration of the prospects of Marine and Coastal tourism found avenues towards a direction of employment, alternative job and foreign investment through the sustainable use of aquatic and shoreline resources. Alongside aiding and boosting GDP growth, Maritime tourism inspires Community Participation, a tool of sustainability, to ensure a raised standard of living and environmental balance as well. The prospects for developing coastal and maritime tourism in Bangladesh are multidimensional because of the topographical and strategic location. This study also compares the data of the Cruising industry of Bangladesh and the world as a potential segment of marine tourism.Read more
Offshore Industry in Bangladesh: Present Status and Future Prospect to Contribute for National Economy
Author: Farhana Arzu, Naveed Anjum, Md. Mahmudul Hassan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1052
The blue economy concept has been an integral focus for the economic solvency of Bangladesh and has gained huge momentum since its inaugural journey into the national foray around 2013. In the past few years the term "Maritime Economy" has become infamous in Bangladesh while formulating national economy policies and became integral to the fiscal budgets and forecasts for global investment opportunities throughout the past decade. The deltaic nature, depositional history and sediment criterion, proclaims the existence of oil and gas resources in the deep offshore and adjacent areas. The emphasis on the oil and gas exploration is still lacking behind compared to the other leading countries in Asia at this sector. This article provides an in-depth look into the current state and possible development of offshore industry in Bangladesh while identifying the factors that are essentially to be addressed for ensuring contribution of the sector into national economy. and make the delta plan 2100 successful. In order to meet current electricity demand, offshore renewable energy sources can be a major alternative. The investment policies are to be updated and extensive research works are to be carried out in this sector to attract the major foreign investors in this field.Read more
Variation of Surface Chlorophyll-a and its Teleconnection to the Climatological Factors in the Bay of Bengal
Author: Md Masud-Ul-Alam, Mohammad Azharul Islam, S. M. Mustafizur Rahman, Md. Ashif Imam Khan, Md. Alamgir Hossain, Khan Mohammad Ibtehal, Adiba Mosharraf DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1053
The Bay of Bengal (BoB), a subtropical basin in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean, is one of the Largest Marine Ecosystems (LME). It occupies 8% and 12% of mangroves and coral reefs respectively, as well as it provides 6 million tons of fisheries production annually that valuing 4 billion USD. Parameters like Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Mixed Layer Depth (MLD), Sea Level Anomaly (SLA), and Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) are predominant and showed present trends of all the parameters interpreting the correlation with El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It is found that the southeastern part of the bay is comparatively more ecologically healthy and productive compared to others due to the influences of East Indian Coastal Current (EICC) other parameters as well. MLD and Chl-a concentration have also been affected by the change in climate over recent years. Furthermore, the impact of El-Nino and La-Nina was significant all over the BoB, though there could be more factors responsible for affecting BoB. In all of the analyses according to monthly and yearly observation, a significant changing pattern has been shown in SST, SLA, MLD, and Chl-a from 1997 to 2020. As it is the home of thousands of species and the source of livelihood for 4.5 million people, its importance can’t be denied. Therefore, for a sustainable ecosystem and to conserve the LME, we should have a cumulative effort on restoring a healthy climate by reducing pollution and carbon emissions.Read more
Emerging Blue Economy for Bangladesh: Opportunities, Challenges and Way Forward
Author: M. Golam Sharwar, M. Ziauddin Alamgir, Arif Mahmud DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1054
Bangladesh’s economy had been largely dependent on Ready Made Garment (RMG). Without product diversification, Bangladesh is likely face difficulties to keep up the GDP growth and to achieve vision 2041. Additionally, depletion of land-based resources made it mandatory for the nation to turn their attention towards the south for sustainable economic development. Single source dependency threatened national development, hence the call for the exploration of alternative resource arose. The primary objective of this study is to seek ways by which Bangladesh can more efficiently utilize the ocean resources in a sustainable way by examining the associated challenges and highlighting the o pp ort un itie s therein. Study adopted Document analysis method. The research findings showed a huge vista for blue economy in Bangladesh like Shipping, Sea ports, Maritime education & research etc. The analysis indicated that, Bangladesh has several challenges including absence of governance, pollution, lack of security in the maritime area, lack of maritime domain awareness, lack of coordination, weak educational base etc. Strategies were proffered which include creation of maritime domain awareness, capacity building of responsible agencies, and effective surveillance over EEZ area. The paper concluded that Bangladesh has potentials to reap benefits from the Blue Economy. However, it requires strong political willingness and commitments which already have been demonstrated in Bangladesh.Read more
Geo-resource exploration for sustainable development of energy in Bangladesh constraints of geological and geophysical studies of the continental shelf
Author: Dr. Aftab Alam Khan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1055
Fundamental requirement of the sustainability of the energy development is an extensive exploration and production of the geo-resources like oil and gas. Continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal of Bangladesh maritime boundary is found to be the most resourceful offshore area where hydrocarbon especially natural gas potentially occurs. Geological and geophysical studies have revealed that down to the 4000m depth from sea floor the offshore basin beneath the continental shelf contains enormous natural gas. Very high formation pressure at depths around 3500m in the wells drilled and the occurrence of gas hydrates at around 400m depth in the continental slope further support the occurrence of natural gas in this offshore basin. The principal approach for the sustainable development of the energy resource needs extensive exploration activities in the continental shelf of the delta. Continental shelf which has developed due to enormous continuous sediments supply and deposition has emerged as the progading delta. The extraction and exploitation of non-living resources like oil, gas, gas hydrates and seabed minerals are the principal economic components for the sustainable energy development. Bangladesh has taken many folds development program in the continental shelf of ocean-based economy and planning the delta in favor of various maritime activities. This study is an effort to understand the continental shelf of the Bengal Delta in the perspective of its origin, formation, and potentiality of geological resources and its vulnerability of geological and atmospheric hazards. This study focuses mainly on to the geological resources like natural gas, gas hydrates and seabed minerals. Continental shelf-slope margin is also vulnerable to geohazards and atmospheric hazards those may hinder the sustainability of the development. This article also focuses on to the physical changes of the coastal belt since the mapping of Rennell in 1778 and the associated factors, vulnerability of geological hazards, review of the published works and revisiting the continental shelf-slope margin on the status of gas occurrence, gas hydrates and ocean related activities.Read more
Maritime Security Cooperation in Indian Ocean: Prospects and Way Ahead for IORA
Author: M Khaled Iqbal DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1056
Abstract The Indian Ocean is home to one fifth of the world's water bodies and is rich in a range of biological and mineral resources. It is one of the busiest maritime routes in the entire planet. Therefore, it is essential to protect the ecosystem and the natural resources of this ocean. The Indian Ocean has historically been a region of great collaboration, but on the other hand, it has been also blighted by mistrust. Despite the Indian Ocean Region being a significant and heavily used ocean space on which most of the global trade depends, there is insufficient cooperation between the littoral states to ensure the water body is safe. This paper examines the necessity of maritime security cooperation in Indian ocean for the betterment of the whole region. In fact, there are numerous ways to cooperate on maritime security in the Indian Ocean, including by utilizing shared resources, capabilities and expertise. The Indian Ocean's users and the littoral states can both be harmed by non-traditional security risks, which can be eliminated with mutual cooperation. Specifically Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the only pan-Indian ocean organization has significant roles to play in eliminating the security risks and bringing the countries of the Indian ocean and other extra-regional players closer for effective collaboration in future.Read more
Numerical Analysis of Tubular XT Joint of Jacket Type Offshore Structures under Static Loading
Author: Md. Jobayer Mia, Md. Abidul Islam, Asif Kabir, Mehran Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1057
Jacket structures are made of welded tubular space frames supported by a lateral bracing system. Tubular members are made up of structural steel. In an offshore structure, their primary job is to resist yield and buckling loads. They are also used to resist lateral loads. There are various types of tubular joints like T, K, KT, XT, etc. and each of the joints has significance, depending on the structure design and environment. These joints are subjected to various types of cyclic loading. As a result, fatigue failure occurs with the passing of time. In this study, the Finite Element Model of the XT-type tubular joint has been created and analysis has been done under static loading by using the STATIC STRUCTURAL analysis system of ANSYS 19.2 commercial software. The XT tubular model was analyzed under different load cases, and corresponding values for stress, strain, and deformation were tabulated. Using the maximum stress value, the yield point of the joint was also determined. The results highlighted that as the thickness of the joint increases, the values of maximum stress, strain, and deformation decrease. It was also observed that for tensile and compressive loading, the joint yielded at 30 KN of loading.Read more
Supply Chain Resilience in Catastrophic Disruptions: Towards Mapping Conceptual Frameworks via Selective Literature Reviews
Author: Abdul Monaiem Kudrotullah DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1058
Any management concept cannot be used effectively by practitioners and researchers if a common agreement on its definition is lacking. For Supply Chain Resilience – so many definitions are used that there is little consensus on what it means. Last 30 years, the worlds; trade and industrial sector were blessed with unchanging business environment. The practitioners and researchers were well obsessed with cost-cutting efforts putting the concepts of resilience on the side-lines. The ongoing pandemic and few other catastrophic disasters have caused severe supply chain disruption. This has ultimately turned the situation 180 degree. Last 2 years numbers of articles were published on SCRes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the existing literature to understand the concept of Supply Chain Resilience. Various definitions are reviewed, categorized, and synthesized. This paper expands readers understanding of factors that contribute to the developing of firm resilience to supply chain disruptions. In doing so, it operationalizes firm resilience to understand how supply chain disruption orientated firms can develop resilience to supply chain disruptions. The paper initiated a debate regarding approaches to SC-Res. Although it lauded the utility of studying the SC-Res through resilience lenses but ultimately fall back to the predecessors approaches through Risk-management lenses.Read more
An Assessment of the Institutional Policy and Legal Regime to Combat IUU Fishing: A Review on the Journey of Bangladesh Towards Sustainable Blue Economy
Author: Md Abdul Latif, M. Arifur Rahman, Lifat Rahi, S. M. Mustafizur Rahman, Shoukot Kabir Chowdhury, Md Badiul Alam Shufol, Muhammad Tanvir Hossain Chowdhury, Md. Towfiqul Arif DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1059
As a developing coastal State, Bangladesh aspires for harnessing the potentials like ensuring food security, fulfilling nutritional deficiency, rendering employment opportunity, generating income and export earnings through sustainable using of its Blue Economy. Comprehensive combating against Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a holistic approach to protect marine ecosystem, biodiversity, survival of threatened and endangered marine species, and secure livelihood of small-scale fishers. Institutional set-up seeks more personnel and logistic potency along with the modernization of monitoring, controlling and surveillance mechanism for preventing IUU Fishing. The National Plane of Action -IUU Fishing (NPOA -IUU) addressed several general and special measure with some priority actions for preventing, controlling and eliminating IUU fishing from our maritime boundary through enhancing organizational and professional capacity. Ensuring inclusiveness and no one behind philosophy of SDG, integration of the interest and ownership of the small-scale fishers on the territorial water should be considered in the National Plan of Action. Apart from NPOA-IUU, fighting against IUU fishing requires more focus in marine fisheries management, maritime zone related policies, and strategies as well as national policy documents. Legal instruments of the country need incorporation of IUU fishing issue in a comprehensive way to facilitate legitimate fishing and to enhance law enforcement against illegal fishers. Regional and international fisheries management organizations necessitate regular communication, collaboration and information sharing to win over free riders as well as ensure sustainable blue economy.Read more
Opportunities and challenges of biosensors for pollution detection and monitoring of the Bay of Bengal
Author: Tapash Kumar Pal, Md. Morshedul Alam, M Ziauddia Alamgir, Mohammad Nazir Hossain DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1060
From the beginning of the first reordered human settlement in this Bengal province to the present, people living in this area have been mostly dependent on the Bay of Bengal and its various resources. Human beings have been collecting the raw material from the ocean to use in the different production processes. It is also a potential source of fossil fuel and the largest source of animal protein. Along with this, human kind use the sea for the transportation of goods and services. In addition, to keep our terrestrial environment worth living in, the marine environment plays an important role. However, overdoing such types of activities, mankind are systematically destroy this delta, the Bay of Bengal, and its ecosystem in various ways. Therefore, it is high time to prevent pollution and protect this reservoir resources, the Bay of Bengal. The sustainable way of doing this is to emphasize monitoring of pollution. Biosensors in the medical and industrial sectors are established because of their biocompatibility, specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity. Some biosensors have already been developed for monitoring environmental pollution and their good performance have been well documented . But, the case of detecting ocean pollution is still under consideration. So, now designing a biosensor for pollution detection in the Bay of Bengal and protecting the reservoir of resources is necessary to achieve the sustainable development goal. Though the method has some limitations, it is nonetheless a new window to harvest the benefits.Read more
Marine Pollution in Chittagong: Present Condition, Possible Impacts and Suggestive Mitigation Measures
Author: Eva shill, Md. Arif Mahmud DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1061
A combination of human activities are responsible for marine pollution. It affects the health of the ocean and makes the coastal area vulnerable. Both the developed and developing countries both are affected by marine pollution. Coastal regions and ecosystems are facing diversified environmental pressure throughout the world. Regular discharge of industrial effluents, untreated sewages, oil spills, plastics, chemicals and other hazardous pollutants from different sources are continually affecting Chittagong coastal area. Wide range of pollution in the coastal environment of Chittagong cause threats to the livelihoods of coastal communities, contaminated contaminates seafood and affects marine ecosystems. In this paper, the effort has been made to: examine the issues concerning marine pollution, identify the effect of pollution in the environment and suggest preventive measures for minimizing pollution in this selected area through careful management.Read more
Challenges of Marine Tourism in Bangladesh
Author: P. M. K Hassan Siddique, Kaniz Fatima, Faisal Azim, Md. Mostofa Sadik DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1062
Marine tourism is different from the conventional tourism concept which is based on ocean, sea, or coastal regions of a country. Demand for marine tourism is increasing throughout the world. Bangladesh has great potential to thrive in this sector. Bangladesh has the world's longest unbroken sea beach at cox's bazaar and many other natural resources. Every year millions of domestic and foreign tourists visit the coastal and marine areas of Bangladesh including Cox's Bazaar, Kuakata, and beautiful islands such as St. Martin's island, Moheshkhali, Sonadia, etc. Yet the full potential of this sector remains untapped due to various challenges. In this paper, efforts have been made to explore the challenges of the marine tourism sector in Bangladesh. This study analyzed the existing marine tourism industry of Bangladesh. It was mainly an exploratory research. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey. Secondary data were sourced from published books, documents, reports, articles, and the internet. The collected data were analyzed with qualitative approaches. The study revealed that there are some potential barriers to gaining success in the good development of marine tourism. Lack of skilled manpower, safety and security issues, lack of infrastructures, and inadequate funding are some remarkable challenges. Based on the findings the paper suggested several recommendations for the developments of marine tourism activities in Bangladesh. This study is expected to help the policymaker, maritime educational institutes, and researchers in this domain.Read more
Shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh: Legal, health, safety, & technical issues
Author: Bishnu Dev Roy, Habibur Rahman Mojumder, Mohammad Minhazul Haque Sakin, Md. Mostafa Aziz Shaheen DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1063
Ship breaking is one of the indigenous industries in the world. A ship is dismantled in a yard after her lifespan. Dismantling ship generates huge revenue, support backward industry and creates employment opportunities for a country. Many developed countries were pioneers in this industry. However, this industry moved to Asian countries due to cheap labor and substandard regulations. Being a maritime nation, Bangladesh holds an elevated position in the ship breaking industry consistently. Though having potentiality, Bangladesh reflects a shady image due to disregarded environmental pollution, health and safety issues. Therefore, this study effort to examine the issue concerning ship breaking, identify challenges, and put forward strategies for their mitigation to get the optimum output in the ship breaking industry. The study depended on data compiled from secondary sources. Secondary data were sourced from published books, documents, reports, scholarly articles, and the internet. This study exhibited the existing ship breaking practices relying on the conventional beaching method resulting in environmental pollution, occupational health, and safety hazards. Moreover, the underlying causes are deficiency in legal compliance, less concern in human resources, insufficient technical facilities. Therefore, this study recommends obligatory legal compliance, human resource development, and technical standardization requiring the utmost priority for sustainable development and keeping up the continuous growth of this industry.Read more
Rabnabad Channel Dredging project: Challenges and Prospects
Author: Humayun Rashid Askari, Mohammad Nazir Hossain, Rezwana Tauhid Bushra, Md. Imran Hasan.Rafe, Md. Mirazul Islam, Najmul Hossin Nahid, M Ziauddin Alamgir DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1064
The Port Payra is the third seaport of the maritime nation Bangladesh and Rabnabad Channel is the main entrance to it. The 4Km long navigational channel which is connected to the Bay of Bengal will contribute to the immense progress and economic development of this maritime country by building up a strong network, connectivity, and in many other ways. The boom in the economy of Bangladesh largely depends on the development of this river channel, and it is essential to maintain the river channel depth through dredging for the smooth movement of the vessels to the port. Dredging in Bangladesh has been a continuous process as Bangladeshi rivers carry a considerable amount of sediments all year-round. The dredging process involves carrying out excavation, removing naturally deposited sediments or debris such as rocks, bottom sediments, construction debris, refuse, etc., to create adequate space for the transportation of vessels. The PPA (Payra Port Authority), and Belgian company Jan de Nul have agreed to dredge a 75km stretch of the channel, assuring a draft of 10.5 meters that would allow entry and anchoring of ships having a carrying capacity of up to 55,000 tons and also to maintain a certain depth that is safe for navigation. This study seeks to figure out the impact of the Rabnabad Channel Dredging Project on the economy, explore its prospects and identify the challenges faced by the project. It also seeks to find out the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the project. This study has a qualitative approach that depended on data collected from secondary sources. Moreover, the study also gives an overview of the Rabnabad Channel dreading project and makes a recommendation for dealing with the challenges.Read more
Sustainable River Management in Bangladesh through Capital Dredging: Mitigation of Environmental Impacts through Project Management & Operational Best Practices
Author: Mohammad Obaidullah Ibne Bashir DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1065
Well-structured project management, careful and timely monitoring and operational best practices in the dredging projects in different rivers facilitate the local public authorities to mitigate the environmental impacts in Bangladesh. Determining correctly the key factors that affect the environment helps design pragmatic and operational roadmap for maintenance and capital dredging projects. Additionally, the study must consider the difficulties inherent in dredging jobs, the techno-economic mega plan incorporated into Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, existing river management practices, government policies and regulations, prior to attempting to reflect on what is most needed among stakeholders for the successful implementation of improvement measures. The study maintains that adequate environment concerns should not be integrated later while reflecting upon management, monitoring and operation, but during the project design stage of capital dredging. The study focuses on evaluating the present extent of awareness and practices of environmental mitigation measures regarding the handling of the dredged materials, operational energy efficiencies, stakeholders influence or perception on the implementation of environmental mitigation measures and barriers of application of best practices. Then it tries to determine strategies for developing a sustainable operational framework to mitigate these identified barriers. Finally, it proposes a framework for the mitigation of environmental challenges resulting from dredging jobs. Besides, this study identifies some potential government policy gap which needs to be shrunk tightly for effective implementation of mitigation measures for sustainable dredging.Read more
SWOT Analysis of Stand in Geopolitics of Bangladesh's Maritime Sector in Achieving Vision 2041
Author: Khalid Mahmud Bappy, Shazid Hossain Adib, Fatema Tuj Jerin, Md Al Mehedi Hasan Talukder, Sunanda Majumda DOI: 10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1066
Vision 2041, a continuation of Digital Bangladesh Vision 2021 and a development path aimed by Bangabandhu has begun to be implemented by eliminating the existing demand gap while meeting the new demand ahead. Bangladesh has 1,47,570 square kilometers of land and 2,07,000 square kilometers of sea area to implement findings to achieve 2041. Surrounding this vast sea area of Bay of Bengal, directly influential countries like Srilanka, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Sumatra of Indonesia share their shores, and Bangladesh has direct influence over landlocked regions of India’s seven sisters- Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh- Nepal, Bhutan. These direct and indirect interests through littoral and landlocked, make Bangladesh geopolitically important in the BOB region. All those Conventional ocean forces of these regions and beyond continue to work together to maintain a balance of power across maritime areas, but the archipelago's role in shaping new security architecture as well as the basement is often overlooked. Developing regional cooperation among the neighboring countries may build the geopolitical influences in order to handle the issues such as- security concerns, drug prevention, piracy and robbery, natural calamities, sea-level rise etc. As the geopolitical salience of the ocean increases, maritime development will come to assume a critical role. Aside from Bangladesh, many of the other littoral countries are acquiring a more pronounced maritime orientation and developing closer links with one another. Geographical relevance, it is said that in geopolitics, geography plays a vital role in influencing peace and security in the region. Bangladesh needs effective maritime governance and maritime domain awareness by all littoral states. It needs soft power geopolitics practices together with regional integration a strategic alliance. These can be achieved bridging through dialogues. Based on this condition, swot analysis of Bangladesh's maritime sector was needed to find out its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Large sea area, Surrounding landlocked, directly and indirectly influenced regions, geopolitical neutrality are identified as strengths; Security threats, costly ports, Economic slowdown, poor presence in global Associations and lower lands are identified as weaknesses; possibility of becoming hub of economic corridors, land bridge to seven sisters Nepal and Bhutan, energy and mining, trade agreements, indirect pressurizing possibilities are identified as opportunities; Competitions in economic corridors, missing economic goals, less pressure in seaports, inequitable sharing of benefits, sinking of southern regions are identified as threats. Evaluating those analyzed points, few strategies- Budget Increment, Ocean research and oil gas production, regional cooperation, skilled maritime human resources, diplomatic opportunity- are developed to achieve Vision 2041. In this journal, it endeavors to resolve how Bangladesh is responding to the challenges of maritime governance and harvest from the sea to reach the vision 2041 implementation.Read more
Initiating Marine Spatial Planning process: Resolving conflicts between Chittagong port and other maritime sectors in Bangladesh
Author: Shohida Aktar, Abu Taiyeb Md. Alimuzzaman, Samsul Mannan, Nazmus Sakib DOI: 10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1067
Bangladesh is a maritime nation and its seaborne trade is highly dependent on the countries’ prime port, Chittagong which handles more than 90% of the total seaborne trade of the country. In the Port area of Chittagong, there are many more maritime activities other than shipping which includes fishing, oil & gas exploration, military and naval exercises, tourism, movements of naval and coast guard ships, pushing and towing, bunkering to the anchored ships, movement of old ships to scrapping yards. Being one of the largest segments of the maritime economic sectors, Chittagong port often faces conflict with other sectors. Bangladesh initiated several tools to manage its ocean and coastal resources but failed to achieve due prosperity. In this sense, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) can be a timely tool to minimize conflicts among all stakeholders and maximize the use of all resources through an integrated management process. The study aimed to find out conflicts of the Chittagong port with other maritime sectors and explore the role of MSP to resolve those conflicts. This study adopted a qualitative approach and synthesized data from both primary and secondary sources. To collect primary data, a total of 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted from different maritime sectors. The outcome of this study may include conflict resolution; engagement of different maritime stakeholders. The outcome of this research can benefit port sectors, maritime stakeholders, policymakers, researchers to understand the role of MSP for conflict resolution in Bangladesh.Read more
Safe Operation of Inland Water Passengers' Vessels in Bangladesh: Challenges and Policy Options
Author: A S M Abdul Baten DOI: 10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1068
The safety aspect of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector in Bangladesh lacks appropriate attention since long. This is often reflected through disastrous incidents at rivers with loss of valuable life and property. This study aims to identify the challenges faced by operators during the operation of passengers’ vessel in the rivers of Bangladesh and to confirm the appropriateness of the existing governance processes in the IWT sector. The study involves a diagnostic approach using the conceptual framework, where independent variables: Governance, Human elements and Technical aspects of vessels’ operation have been examined by the data collected from both primary and secondary sources. This study finds a number of active and hidden challenges. Some of these challenges are caused by weak regulatory frameworks, absence of Classification Society, poor design/construction of vessels, improper training etc. As a result, accidents of different magnitudes take place, which needs to be addressed by policy-level decisions to make the IWT sector a more acceptable and safer branch of transportation in Bangladesh. The significance of the study lies in the fact that these findings shall be useful guidelines for updating the current strategies for the safe operation of IWT vessels and support different national and international commitments (8th 5YP, SDGs etc.).Read more
Prospects for Port Led Regional Maritime Connectivity in Bay of Bengal: Way Ahead
Author: M Khaled Iqbal DOI: 10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1069
Ports are important medium of trade, connectivity and economic development. Bangladesh being at apex of Bay of Bengal is truly a maritime nation having 700 kilometres long coastline and an array of rivers and water bodies. Our trade, export and import largely depend on Maritime Connectivity. Thus, a well-developed ports and shipping sector will surely give rich dividend in the overall economic matrix of our country. Presently there are a number of challenges in our overall Port sector like lack of adequate draft, hinterland connectivity, port infrastructure and modern equipment etc. However, like many other developing countries, Bangladesh is also giving emphasis on port led economic development and has embarked on mega projects like Matarbari deep seaport and other port related infrastructure development. There are existing regional cooperation arrangements in south Asia with the Bay of Bengal littoral countries like BBIN and BIMSTEC that should deal with mutual trade and connectivity. This paper explores the existing maritime initiatives in the Bay of Bengal region and outlines the need for port led maritime infrastructure development of Bangladesh in achieving greater regional connectivity with the BIMSTEC nations.Read more
An Overview Of The Dockyard Industry In Bangladesh: A Review Study
Author: Md. Mahmudul Hassan, Naveed Anjum, Ahnaf Rahman DOI: 10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1070
Dockyards can be classified as one of the firstlings, most important and, extremely competitive markets in Bangladesh as well as in the world. The Dockyard industry plays a crucial role in supporting the military, stimulate shipping and industrial development, give rise to employment nationally and, provide support for overseas currency inflow; etc. This industry has been branded as one of the most promising industries from a global perspective which might help achieve strong economic development within a short period by continuing an upward trend of progress. The basic objectives of this study are to overview the potentials, performances and identify the problems related to this industry from our national perspective. Secondary data are used in this paper from various sources to support this study in establishing the national and international factors in comparison to the potential which may significantly encourage the dockyard industry performance, as well as the problems addressing assessments and measurements that affect within the industry and finding the answers accordingly.Read more
Maritime Education and Sustainable Development: Prospects of Bangladesh
Author: Kh. Atikur Rahman, Md. Kamrul Hasan, Prodhan Mahbub Ibna Seraj, Dr. Mariam Begum DOI: 10.70279/bmj-v6-i1-1071
The traditional landscape of Bangladesh and recent maritime boundary delimitation with its neighboring countries (India and Myanmar) have opened a new horizon of potentials for its sustainable economic growth. But it demands diverse professional people in the maritime sector. Specialized maritime education and training (MET) is needed to avail the skilled human resources for this sector. Bangladesh has a range of institutes which include a specialized university, academies, technical institutes and an autonomous research center etc. They offer a range of MET courses and degrees. This paper provides a broad overview of MET opportunities in Bangladesh, and career and other economic prospects of professionals in the maritime sector and its impact on sustainable development of the country. Required data and information has been collected from several databases like ResearchGate, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ERIC, journals, newspapers and relevant organizations websites to delineate the overview fostering Bangladeshi perspectives. The paper bears significant implications for the policy makers, teacher, trainers, and other stakeholders involved in the Bangladeshi maritime sector.Read more
SWOT Analysis of Bangladesh Maritime Region for the Strategic Approach of Bangladesh Delta Plan-2100
Author: M. R. Ashikur, R. S. Rupom DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v6-1072
Bangladesh is called a Maritime Nation and Maritime Region (MR) has been subjugated geomorphologically and hydrologically by the Ganges-BrahmaputraMeghna (GBM) basin and the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (BDP-2100) has been taken for sustainable delta management and an intrinsical relationship appears among the parameters of MR and BDP-2100. Strength (S), Weakness (W), Opportunity (O), and Threat (T) (SWOT) analyses are revealed an object’s current situation and make it possible to augment future short-term as well as a long-term plan like BDP-2100. The objective of the study is to analyze the parameters of MR through the SWOT matrix to find out the strategic approaches for the implementation of BDP-2100. The study is based on reviewing different published research papers, articles, and reports, etc., and about 32 parameters of MR are identified through the literature review for the SWOT technique. The SWOT technique demonstrates that the MR of Bangladesh has enormous strength and extensive opportunity, but the strength is not exploited, and the opportunity is not utilized owing to their high internal weakness and moderate external threat. The study reveals four strategies i.e. SO, WO, ST, and WT strategy, and based on these it suggests some strategic approaches for the implementation of BDP-2100 contemplating the MR. Besides, the study recommends that marine resources should be utilized properly for a balanced ecosystem, new laws and regulations should be introduced to restrict the unsanctioned interruption of foreign entities and a maritime court should be established to ensure the peace and protection of the maritime border, modern technology can be used for exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of maritime resources, all islands and ports should be used as the tourism sector, Individual or group should be supported to collaborate for maximizing the development in the maritime territory.Read more
Biological Diversity Status of Fish Genetic Resources at Tanguar Haor Wetland in Bangladesh
Author: Md. Gulam Hussain DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i1-1072
Tanguar haor has been declared as an Ecologically Critical Area and a Ramsar site - wetland of international importance by the Government of Bangladesh due to recent gradual alteration of haor ecosystem habitat and over exploitation of natural resources including fish genetic resources. Present winter season study was conducted to assess the effect of dry season on the overall fisheries resources and biological diversity of existing fish species in the wetland ecosystem of the haor. In this study, Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and questionnaire surveys of different stakeholders such as Key Informant Interview (KII); Personal Interview (PI); Household Survey (HS) and spot visit to fish landing centers/ local fish markets were carried out within Tanguar haor area covering two Upazilas viz. Tahirpur and Dharmapasha of Sunamganj district, Sylhet. The existing fisheries resources and status of fish biological diversity of the wetland based on such consultations, discussion and intervention have been assessed. From this study, it has been revealed that there are only 58 fish species were captured among 141 species (as reported earlier) by the local fishermen during that winter season, among those numbers 16 fish (28%) were identified as Commonly Available Species (CAS), 18 fish (31.08%) were as Moderately Available Species (MAS), 12 fish (20.68%) were as Less Available Species (LAS) and 12 fish (20.68%) were as Rarely Available Species (RAS). Both LAS and RAS can be categorized as vulnerable species; those are on the line to be endangered within a few years of time. According to report of the fisher groups a total of 8 fish species were not recently available at all in their catch. The overall assessment result of the study was extremely alarming for fish biological diversity of the wetland. Therefore, it is strongly recommended by all the consulted stakeholders that the integrated Best Wetland Management Practices (BWMPs) should be continued, enhanced and re-adopted as useful solution by the GoB and concerned departments and ministries by coordinated way to restore the threatened natural ecosystem services and vales and conserve the fish biological diversity at Tanguar haor wetland.Read more
Seafarers Employment Issues: Bangladesh Perspective
Author: Dewan Mazharul Islam, M Ziauddin Alamgir, Mostafa Aziz Shaheen, Arif Mahmud DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i1-1073
The focus of this study is on the employment issues of Bangladeshi seafarers in the prevailing job market for seafarer. The paper gives a summary of the history of seafaring, growth of Maritime institute of education and Training, establishment of national fleet to contribute to the jobs of seafarers and training of cadets. This is a descriptive study. Data collected for this study are from both the primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected by interviewing people serving in Maritime Education and Training (MET) institutes and the seafarer sailing currently. Secondary sources of data are published books, journal papers, government shipping office website etc. This research conceptualizes the key problems behind the unemployment of Bangladeshi seafarer and effort has been given to explore the inherent root causes. The identified causes are the less number of national flag vessels, reputation of seafarers in the global market, standard of MET. Therefore, this study recommends formation of employment policy for Bangladeshi seafarer, diplomatic effort to regain reputation of Bangladeshi seafarer, enhance the quality of MET institute and increase training facility. This study concludes some proposal for the improvement of work opportunity of Bangladeshi Seafarer.Read more
Harnessing Un-retrieved Wave EnergySustainable Approach Towards Blue Economy: Bangladesh-Perspective
Author: Abu Hasan Rony DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-i1-1124
Bangladesh has sustained solid economic growth since the last decade. The revolution in agriculture, manufacturing of readymade garments and many other industries are the main contributors for this. As such the power demand also increased exponentially in recent years. According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board, the maximum generation of power was 9479MW in June 2017 which was 4130MW in 2007. The energy demand is skyrocketed and the government is having a tough time keeping pace with it. At this stage, maintaining availability and affordability are the prime concerns for policymakers. The mounting pressure sometimes leads us to take wrong steps such as adopting cheap and dirty energy solutions. Aligning country’s energy policy with international requirements, alternatives fuel, and Renewable Energy (RE) options are given consideration at present. All renewables such as Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV), ocean energy and wind energy require equal importance on the basis of their potentials. Recently, there have been significant improvements in the RE sector, especially Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV). But, it is necessary to look for diversified clean energy sources for a greener future. The necessary for a holistic approach and how the blue economic approach of Bangladesh could be made more meaningful are emphasised in this paper. Moreover, how the ocean energy in the Bay of Bengal such as wave, tidal and wind can be made more feasible for sustainable yield. This paper reveals the potential for exploring wave energy to meeting energy demand, especially for coastal community and a brief focus on recent energy policy of Bangladesh, infrastructure, logistics requirements and progress made in wave energy throughout the worldRead more
Visualization of Gellan Network Formation in Different Ionic Environment
Author: Abeda Sultana Shamma, Nusrat Jahan, K. S. Hossain DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i1-1075
Gellan gum is a bacterial polysaccharide with a negatively charged carboxyl ion in its monomer. It forms thermo-reversible gel due to the formation of a biopolymer network in an aqueous medium under suitable conditions, and its properties depend on the type of necessary cations to form a gel. In this study, the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) technique has been used to elucidate cation types effect on gellan network formation. AFM images were obtained for gellan gel samples prepared without and with adding salts of monovalent, divalent, and trivalent cations. It was found that gellan gel with monovalent ion did not show any fiber-like network. Instead, it showed a network formed by the association of globular objects. While with divalent ion, the presence of fiber-like objects was seen, and the network was formed due to the crosslinking of these fibers. The mixture of fibrous and globular structures is realized for the sample with added trivalent ion; however, the fibers are thicker than the gellan gel sample with divalent cations.Read more
Evaluating the Relationship of Employee Engagement and Knowledge Sharing Behavior: A Study on the Tourism Sector of Bangladesh
Author: Mohammad Bin Amin*, S. M. Saief Uddin Ahmed, Md. Mehadi Amin Miah DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i1-1076
The purpose of this study is to investigate the contributions of employee engagement including its components on employee knowledge sharing behavior. Workforce of an organization has relatively great importance because of their opportunities in diversified contributions. In this sense, it has been a notable concern for the sustainable organizations to utilize their intellectual resources i.e. sharing employee knowledge. Likewise, prior contemporary researches also indicated supportive directions on this present relationship and its positive outcomes especially in service oriented industries. Moreover, for providing the best service, employee knowledge development and sharing has great importance which actually stimulate the current research to select the most emerging service sector of Bangladesh like, Tourism. Based on the concepts of previous literatures, a theoretical framework is proposed and hypotheses are also formulated. This study collected responses from purposively selected 400 sample respondents who are working as full time employees in tourism organizations of Bangladesh. For input and incorporation of sample data, SPSS version 20 has been used whereas, for testing the CFA, reliability, validity of items and hypothesis testing PLS-SEM (version-2) has been utilized. The result showed that all components of employee engagement i.e. satisfaction, identification, commitment, loyalty, and performance have significant contributions in employee knowledge sharing behavior. The study aims to investigate insights of the current scenario and provide relevant recommendations for further study to foster organizational sustainability. This research will be beneficial for researchers, practitioners, scholars, managers, and employees. It will also be helpful for those who are interested in organizational development and knowledge sharing in context of South East Asian region.Read more
Geological Evolution and the Hydrocarbon Potentiality of the Bay of Bengal
Author: Aftab Alam Khan* DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i1-1077
Geological history reveals that the sea-floor spreading process back in 1185 Ma has formed the ocean-basin of the Bay of Bengal with the initial sedimentation began at least 65 to 85 Ma back. Two characteristics properties prevail in the geological records of the Bay of Bengal are the occurrence of oceanic crust (basaltic) in the offshore basin and the marine environment of sedimentation for the entire period of its occurrence. Petroleum source rock generation and maturation requires marine sedimentation for organic matter enrichment and TTP for proper cooking respectively. Geochemical analyses of sediments and discoveries of gas in the Mahanadi Basin of India to the west and the Rakhain Basin of Mayanmar to the east strongly suggest hydrocarbon generation, expulsion and trapping in the offshore Bengal Basin of the Bay of Bengal. Hydrocarbon after migration from source rock finds either a suitable structural trap or a stratigraphic trap. Offshore Bengal basin is dominantly characterized by stratigraphic trap mostly channel sands for hydrocarbon accumulation. On the other hand, the development of structural traps are limited upto the deformation front in the eastern part of the basin where deformation front has obstructed for the limited development of structural traps in the deep offshore basin region. Crustal segmentation and deformation has developed complex folding and inversion wherein young structures have been superimposed on to the older structural trends. The sediments represent an overall basinward progradation of sedimentation from deep marine to coastal marine setting is overlain by continental-fluvial deposition. The lower part of the sequence represents a slope sedimentation within a westward migrating structural development of accretionary prism complex. Thick mud rock sequence of accretionary complex at around 5-6 km depth is considered as upper source rock undergone high degree of maturation with a possible oil window phase. Two major zones have been identified where the development of hydrocarbon traps occurred viz., a) the zone of intense channeling in the upper part of the accretionary prism, and b) the limited development of structural highs between the paleodeformation and neodeformation fronts. Favorable traps of hydrocarbon likely to occur at 4-6 km depths zone. Further, mud and sand-filled channels, incised valleys of intense channeling, and pro-delta clays frequently pass up-dip to delta-front sand wedges as favorable stratigraphic trap.Read more
The Maritime Sector in the Economic Development of Bangladesh
Author: Humayun Rashid Askari*, Rezwana Tauhid Bushra, Mohammad Nazir Hossain DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i1-1078
Maritime economy, a comparatively new concept in the domain of economics, means the economic activities based on marine or sea-based resources. The present paper seeks to explore the prospects of a sea-based economy to help promote Bangladesh from a middle-income country as targeted in the 'Vision 2021' to a developed country as per 'Vision 2041' through the sustainable use of marine resources. The study also reveals that Bangladesh can accelerate its economic process through the effective use of sea resources. Bangladesh has 200 nautical miles of EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) with a 710 km long coastline in the Bay of Bengal. Seas, which cover nearly three fourths of the earth, play a vital role in two essential functions. From very ancient times, the sea was the major media of communication or transportation. And also, the biggest natural source of living and non-living resources. At present, we can see almost all the oceanic countries are becoming very substantially aware of their marine resources to resolve many of their economies' present and future challenges. As for Bangladesh, the ocean contributes an outstanding deal to its overall socio-economic progress by raising the country's economic activities and particularly to the coastal zone in the southern part. This paper, based mostly on secondary data analysis, investigates how much Bangladesh can handle the challenges in becoming a developed country by implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Shows the impact of the maritime sector in Bangladeshi economic development. In addition, it attempts to find out the barriers and limitations of the activities from different angles of vision. It proposes some ways that forward for promoting sustainable development in Bangladesh.Read more
Numerical Simulation and Comparative Study of Aerodynamic Performance of Kline-Fogleman Modified Backward Stepped Airfoils and the NACA 4415 Airfoil
Author: Asif Kabir, Mehran Islam*, Nusrat Jahan, Yeasir Mohammad Akib, Most Israt Jahan Mili DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i1-1079
This research predominantly centers on the streamlined qualities of Kline-Fogleman modified (KFm) airfoil. KFm arrangement airfoil family shows improved strength and low stalling which has made it quite popular for low weight conveying flight. Some of the major streamlined attributes like lift coefficient, drag coefficient, etc. of KFm-1, KFm-2, and KFm-3 have been explored and a correlation is made with the NACA 4415 airfoil. Spalart-Allmaras disturbance model is applied to the ANSYS Fluent commercial software. The setup is analyzed at a different angle of attack (AOA) methodologies stretching out from 0˚ to 15˚ and for a variety of Mach numbers ranging from 0.3 to 0.6. The Reynolds number was 3.18 ×105 . The purpose of this division was to reduce computational costs while utilizing CFD software. Computational assessments were coordinated to explore the streamlined presentation of the airfoil. The results highlighted that a steady and gradual increase in lift is possible by introducing the backward step. The overall aim of this assessment was to numerically inspect whether the streamlined execution of an airfoil can be improved by introducing a backward facing step on the upper surface of the airfoil.Read more
A Feasibility Study for the Procurement of Support, Service and Utility Vessels for Mongla Port
Author: Khandaker Rasel Hasan*, M Reaz H Khondoker DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i1-1080
Mongla is the 2nd largest seaport of Bangladesh and the gateway of south-western part of the country. Though Mongla Port had the only 10% share of handling of the total export-import throughput of the country only few years back, the prospects of cargo as well as container handling of the port is increasing gradually and consequently it is anticipated that Mongla Port Authority will handle a significant share of the total export-import volume. In order to cope up with the increasing demand as well to develop MPA Authority as a regional hub, a number of development projects have been taken. However, the number of support, service and utility vessels procured so far is not adequate to provide the intended service by the port. In view of the same, a study has been carried out to find out the necessary numbers, sizes and types of support, service and utility vessels for Mongla Port to meet future demand. The study also encompasses technical, commercial and financial viability of the same with respect required investment, operation and maintenance as well as manpower costs. The sensitivity analysis shows that the investment will be feasible one and enhance the capacity and standard of the port to serve as a modern regional port.Read more
Powering Offshore Structure Using Renewable Energy: A Review Study
Author: Md. Jobayer Mia*, Md. Abidul Islam, Mehran Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i1-1081
Renewable energy is shaping our future due to the ever-growing environmental crises. The world needs purposeful activity to diminish fossil fuel uses and execute carbon relief measures as nonrenewable options cannot be eliminated within a few decades. Offshore structures play a significant role in extracting nonrenewable energy; however, these create environmental hazards and are not cost-effective. In this study, the use of renewable energy for powering the offshore structures is discussed. It also reflects the economic and social awareness perspective that is much needed by any country. The paper compiles all recent innovation, usage limits, efficiency, contribution, and challenges for utilizing sustainable power sources on offshore platforms. The paper finally discusses some ideas to manage the introduction and subsequent growth of renewable energy resources. This research aims to notify concerned individuals about the current capabilities with possible opportunities and challenges. The discussion of this paper will inform future decision-makers and researchers on policies to be taken in this burgeoning sector, along with the path for future research and scope for improvement.Read more
Distribution of Biochemical Oceanography in the Bay of Bengal: A Review
Author: Most Israt Jahan Mili*, KM Azam Chowdhury, Nusrat Jahan, Farhana Akter DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i1-1082
A study was carried out to look into different biological and chemical parameters in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) from previous papers. In general, BoB water has some unique characteristics compared to the Arabian sea (AS) attributes. Because of large freshwater influx and weak wind induced mixing of water column, BoB has less saline water compared to AS. Apart from these physical phenomena, BoB have been poorly investigated before to compare with its bio-chemical traits. Keeping that in mind, we are presenting here some of the bio-chemical features of BoB. In the present findings, among the metals concentration, Ca (Calcium) was found to be the higher, while Ti (Titanium) was the lowest among the collected data of the major and trace elements in the sediments of the BoB. The Corg/N (atomic ratio) values of the sediments showed a wide depth variation. Among the nutrients (Nitrate, Nitrite, Phosphate, Ammonia and Silica), Ammonia was in higher concentration compared to rest of the nutrients. There were considerable variations in primary productivity and chlorophyll concentration in the surface layer of water, whereas, these were found to be constant in greater depths. However, vertical line of chlorophyll and productivity change revealed the correlation between them. It would be suggested that as BoB region has poorer oceanographic data to make comparison among different parameters, further investigations should need to be conducted to collect and analyze in-situ bio-chemical data in a greater extent.Read more
A Comparative Study of Maritime Quantitative Risk Assessment Models Using Automatic Identification System Data
Author: Zobair Ibn Awal*, Golam Sobahani, Upom Louise Costa DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-i1-1083
Ship collision is a matter of major concern all over the world. A significant number of studies have been published regarding the assessment of ship collision risk. This paper studies ship collision risk assessment models and investigates the characteristics of the models with the aid of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) from Chattogram Port and Singapore Port area. A comparison of the results are shown and facts associated with ship collisions are highlighted together with possible solutions.Read more
Charting a Course for Blue Economy in Post Covid-19 Scenario
Author: M Khaled Iqbal DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v5-1084
Bangladesh, as a littoral state, has been a hub of maritime activities for centuries whereas the Bay of Bengal plays a pivotal role in our trade and commerce with the outside world. In the last decade before the onset of COVID-19, Bangladesh set her sails on a voyage of progress and prosperity. It was clearly acknowledged by the government of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that the maritime development is indispensable for our country’s prosperity. In the blue economy sectors like ports & shipping to marine aquaculture, ship-building to ship recycling, hydrocarbon to marine bio-technology, maritime tourism to maritime education, in fact all the potential maritime sectors were being developed, nurtured, and rejuvenated in order to ensure proper utilisation of our maritime resources. However, the recent onslaught of pandemic Coronavirus has cast a shadow of pale and frustration in the progress of global civilization and predicts an uncertain economic gloom and downturn in the global trade and commerce. As such it has become essential that we try to ascertain the possible impact of the pandemic on this very important sector of blue economy and find ways to bounce back for the overall economic recovery. There is no denying the fact that the COVID-19 has further exacerbated challenges in the maritime sector as to how much resources the government should allocate for the blue economy in context of the looming economic disaster. In the overall prioritization of development budget, every sector is likely to contest for her share of the pie leading to a situation of perplex among the policy planners and bureaucrats. There is likely to be heavy strain on various development projects due to budget constraints arising out of Corona related stimulus budget for economic bale out of various affected sectors. But right measure of support from the international financial institutions and FDI from the friendly countries can help Bangladesh to sustain the big number of development projects which will keep the country on target to our national development agenda as per Vision 2041. However, the global research indicates that the countries giving priority on various maritime business, industries and ocean science have better prospects of economic recovery in post COVID-19 era. Under this backdrop, the study aims to provide some possible solutions for resilience and response to the impacts of COVID-19 on the blue economy of Bangladesh.Read more
Maximum Sustainable Yield Estimate for Tiger Shrimp, Penaeus monodon off Bangladesh Coast Using Trawl Catch Log
Author: Suman Barua*, Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, KM Shahriar Nazrul, Al Mamun, Jewel Das DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v4-i1-1085
Tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon is the most economically important penaeid shrimp in Bangladesh for both culture and capture fishery. This study reveals an analytical stock assessment of tiger shrimp in Bangladesh marine waters after three decades of the inclusive survey. A time series of annual Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) was derived from commercial logbook data during the period from 1986 to 2017 and used as a tuning series for a Schaefer biomass model through MS-Excel and CMSY/BSM interfaces. The standing stock and harvest rate were estimated to be around 1250 t and 23% respectively. The estimated Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) reference points with 95% confidence interval are optimum biomass BMSY2360 t (1670-3320 t) and optimum fishing mortality Fmsy = 22% (16-31%). The average annual catch of last two decades 308 t, below estimated MSY of 527 t (388-717 t). Overall the stock is estimated to be at alarming state despite average annual catch lower than MSY for the last two decades. The enigma for this loophole likely to be lies indiscriminate exploitation of postlarvae (PL) from nature for coastal aquaculture and an extensive collection of brood shrimp for shrimp hatchery broodstock.Read more
Drivers of Revenue Generation in the Blue Economy of Bangladesh: A Case Study on the Chattogram Sea Port
Author: Fakir Tajul Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v4-i1-1001
Blue Economy is a blessing for an emerging economy like Bangladesh. After achieving a new maritime boundary, it becomes more significant for economic development utilising ocean resources. Considering this phenomenon, this paper aims to find out the drivers of revenues in the context of the Blue Economy of Bangladesh. The study has confined itself to the Chattogram Sea Port and its operations. Itis based on historical data ranges from 2009 to 2018. The methods of research analysis were descriptive statistical tools, tabular and graphical analysis. The study has found out that the Chattogram Sea Port (CSP) has been contributing to the Blue Economy of Bangladesh. The major drivers of revenue generation are living resources, minerals, energy and transport and trade at the seaports.CSP generates most of its revenues from the export-import, containersand vessel management. Expenditure control can also enhance the revenue of CSP. Proper planning and policies can expedite the growth of the Blue Economy in Bangladesh. The effort should be balanced between proper planning and effective execution.Read more
Mapping and GIS Analysis of Small Water Reservoirs in the Hills of the Halda River Watershed
Author: Shubha Sarker, Razat Suvra Das, Sayedur Rahman Chowdhury, M. Shahadat Hossain, Milan Kumar Shiuli DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v4-i1-1002
The aim of this research is to the discovery of small water reservoirs in the Halda river watershed, analysing their geometric and geographic parameters like area, neighbourhood distance, elevation wise distribution, tortuosity, perimeter and also mapping these small water reservoirs. Through this research work, a total of 593 reservoirs is identified and mapped. The total area of those reservoirs is 6,124,117 m2 (6.12 km2 ) which cover almost 0.36% of total Halda watershed area and 0.56% of upland (>20 m elevation) area. The average area of these reservoirs found around 10327 m2 . The minimum and maximum area of these small reservoirs found around 180 m2 and 115007 m2 respectively. The neighbourhood distance also calculated. The highest occurring distance among reservoirs is around 830 m. The maximum and minimum distance is around 3391 and 44 m respectively. The total number of the neighbourhood is found 1595 under 3400 m cut off distance. The average elevation is found 30.74 m. Elevation wise distribution shows that most of the reservoirs are located in the hill tracts of Halda river watershed which commonly known as upland area. Tortuosity of reservoirs is calculated. From the descriptive statistics, the average tortuosity of studied reservoirs is around 7. Most of the small reservoirs have 250 m to 500 m perimeters. Their average perimeter is calculated as 696.17 m. For the first time, the reservoir map and their relative neighbourhood graph of Halda river watershed are generated through this research.Read more
Ocean Governance for Sustainable Maritime Development in the Bay of Bengal
Author: M Khaled Iqbal DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v4-i1-1003
The human civilisation is indebted to the oceans for serving mankind as a major source of food, minerals and energy linking economies around the world. The oceans serve as an engine for global economic growth and highways for seaborne international trade giving access to global markets. But there has been a growing appreciation that the world’s oceans require more caring attention and integrated response. There is a progressive degradation of ocean health caused by IUU fishing, marine pollution and unplanned coastal development. However, in recent years, few developing countries have looked to the ocean as a new economic frontier and developed growth policies based on the concept of the Blue Economy. It is aimed at enhancing livelihoods for the poor, creating employment opportunities and reducing poverty. A Blue Economy roadmap is essential to provide an integrated approach to ocean-based sustainable development, which brings together economy, environment and society being closely linked with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDGs). Making the transition to a Blue Economy would entail fundamental and systemic changes in the policyregulatory-management-governance framework using the tools of an ecosystem-based Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). Today the littoral countries of the Bay of Bengal are showing huge trends of economic development due to their increasing importance on the ocean-based economy. But our development patterns are often undermined and diminished due to lack of appropriate ocean governance measures whereas various policies are either poorly implemented or lacks supervision. So, a regionally integrated management and governance system is the demand of the day in order to ensure sustainable maritime development in the Bay of Bengal region. In this context, the paper endeavours to analyse how the Bay of Bengal region is responding to the challenges of ocean governance and harvest Blue Economy benefits from the ocean. In fact, the challenges are many, but a properly planned Blue Economy and Ocean Policy can bring to the developing countries of this region substantial benefits of economic and social development in the years ahead.Read more
Shipbuilding: A Gateway for Bangladesh to Achieve Economic Solvency
Author: P.M.K Hassan Siddique, Wahidul Sheikh, Dewan Mazharul Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v4-i1-1004
Bangladesh has been ranked 41st among the world's largest economies in 2019 as well as become the second biggest economy in South Asia. As a maritime nation, the country focuses on prospects of Blue Economy and aspires to be a middle-income country by 2021 and developed economy by 2041. To achieve this goal the shipbuilding industry can be the perfect alternative. Being a nation next to the sea, she has a long heritage of building oceangoing ships. With the recent success of the shipbuilders of Bangladesh, it is crystal clear that this industry has more potentials to impact the national economy. The study was mainly a descriptive research. Data were mainly collected from secondary sources. Some primary data were also collected from experts and policymakers through unstructured interviews. The study revealed that Bangladesh has a great potentiality in this sector. Bangladesh is emerging as a shipbuilding nation. In the last decade by exporting more than a hundred ships, Bangladesh earned a lot of foreign currency. The shipbuilding industry of Bangladesh has a great scope in the international market for building small ocean-going vessel although there are some obstacles and challenges that are hindering the proper growth of this industry. The study provided valuable guidance for the government of Bangladesh to make a clear policy regarding the expansion of the shipbuilding industry to attain economic solvency. It is expected that this study would contribute to improving policy, further research and advance the frontier of the knowledge.Read more
Does Sea Surface Temperature Explain the Seasonal Variability of Chlorophyll in the Upper Indian Ocean?
Author: Mohammad Zahedur Rahman Chowdhury, Shyamal Chandra Basak, Subrata Sarker DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v4-i1-1005
Quantitative analyzes of chlorophyll concentration in relation to Sea Surface Temperature (SST) can explain the spatiotemporal distribution of phytoplankton in oceans. In this study, the response of chlorophyll in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and the Arabian Sea (AS) to seasonal SST was investigated using remotely sensed Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. MODIS SST data were validated with in-situ data derived from the World Ocean Database. Thus, satellite-based SST estimates were more reliable for BoB than that of AS. In general, SST was comparatively high in BoB; the lowest 27.88° C recorded in January and the highest 30.33° C in April. In contrast, maximum SST in AS was 29.82° C in May and minimum 26.66° C recorded in January. The chlorophyll concentration in BoB was minimum (0.31 mg m-3) in April and maximum (0.46 mg m-3) in September. While the chlorophyllin AS was minimum (0.34 mg m-3) in April and maximum (1.18 mg m-3) in September. These results suggest a significant negative association between SST and chlorophyll in BoB and AS that can explain 32% variability of chlorophyllin both areas. Other than SST, a large number of biotic and abiotic factors, such as nutrient availability, presence of sunlight, mixing layer depth, grazing etc. affect the seasonal variation of chlorophyll. Nevertheless, this study will provide useful information to understand the phytoplankton dynamics in tropical seasRead more
Prevention of Grounding at Mongla Port with Virtual AIS
Author: Md. Arif Mahmud, Dewan Mazharul Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v4-i1-1006
About 90% of worldwide cargo transportation is performed by merchant ships. The trading is successfully completed only when the cargo is safely loaded, transported and safely delivered to the buyer. After loading vessels may navigate through channels, canals, rivers, bays, seas and oceans and carry the cargo to the destination. The navigation is done by ship’s officers with the help of maps, charts and various navigation equipment available onboard. Ship’s navigation is also helped from outside sources like the GPS satellites, communication satellites, lighthouses, light vessels, navigational buoys. By default, all systems must work perfectly otherwise ships may face trouble while underway. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) used by ships and ports for identification of ships. This can also be installed on light vessels and navigational buoys for identification with AIS equipment, RADAR (Radio Aid for Detection and Ranging) or ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System). Virtual AIS is a relatively new technology where no navigational buoys are placed on site but they can be detected by ships and this system will help the ships to navigate safely. Mongla Port is the second seaport of Bangladesh. It is situated in the Southern part of Khulna division and it is about 48 km south of Khulna city. Presently it has become a very busy port due to huge import of cement clinker, slag, gypsum, various fertilizers, coal, bulk edible oil, food grains, stone chips, heavy machinery and bulk LPG. Container and car carrier vessels also visit this port regularly. The introduction of Virtual AIS will help all the vessels to navigate safely throughout Pussur river, the risk of grounding will be minimized and hence there will not be any danger of oil pollution from grounded vessels and the ecological system of the Sundarbans will be preserved.Read more
Wave Energy Harnessing for Marine Propulsion - An Approach Towards Energy Efficient Shipping
Author: Md Aminul Islam*, Obi Kumar Nath, Mohammad Saidee Hasan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v4-i1-1007
The quest for clean sources of energy is still too far from the challenge faced by the modern world of the 21st century. An increasing amount of industrialization is continuously resulting in a gradual depletion of fossil fuel and extensive damage to the environment. The shipping sector, one of the biggest and ever-expanding industries of the world, almost exclusively uses fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. Due to the nature of this industry, there is always availability of waves at sea which can be harnessed and utilized as a source of energy though it hasn’t been utilized yet in vast canvas. Wave energy can be considered as a robust form of energy and an effective alternative to fossil fuel if it can be properly harnessed. This study focused on how energy could be produced from ocean waves and could be used efficiently in the propulsion system. Methodology revealed here is basically to show the viability of the application of Wave Energy Converter (WEC) technologies in a vessel while at anchorage and port, since the application of WEC during sailing of a vessel hasn’t still been proved as an efficient option because of vessel size associated with additional drag resistance. Aim of this paper is to elucidate mathematically if the harnessing is possible at anchorage time and additionally describes the theoretical prospect of mass implementation possibility at the port to affirm energy-efficient shipping. The outcome of this research could lead to an energy efficient and economical propulsion system with the utilization of a renewable energy source as well as a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.Read more
Ship Registration System of Bangladesh: An Assessment
Author: Md. Mostafa Aziz Shaheen, M Ziauddin Alamgir, Dewan Mazharul Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v4-i1-1008
Registration offers a flag to a vessel providing access to high sea and ports worldwide. Many countries pursued aggressive registration policy allowing non-citizens with flexible tax and fee structure resulting in a significant amount of revenue earning by becoming the desired destination for ship registration worldwide. Despite ample opportunities, Bangladesh could not tap the potentials of ship registry to boost up her economic growth through fleet expansion. This paper aims at identifying challenges of ship registration in Bangladesh and put forward strategies for their mitigation to get optimum output in the registration market. This study revealed a complicated ship registration process in Bangladesh relying on national register with nationality as a determining factor for registry resulting in sluggish growth of ship registration. The underlying causes are the rigid legal frame, inadequate institutional architecture, huge tax burden, insufficient incentive. Therefore, this study recommends flexibility in a legal frame to introduce hybrid registries, reformation of Mercantile Marine Office, automation of registration process, rationalization of the tax regime and investment facilitation through incentives.Read more
Seasonality of Stratification Along the Offshore Area of the Northern Bay of Bengal
Author: Md. Masud-Ul-Alam, Sirajuddin Md. Babar Chowdhury, Md. Rashed-Un- Nabi, Md. Wahidul Alam, Md. Ashif Imam Khan, Kashafad Bin Hafiz DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v4-i1-1009
One of the vital factors for understanding and investigating ocean dynamics is the stratification of the water column. Argo profiling floats for the period of January 2011 to September 2017 and World Ocean Data (WOD) for the same region were taken to comprehensively study temperature-salinity distribution from which to calculate the sigma-t (density). The average density increased sharply from around 20 m to 180 m depth. It is obvious that the northern Bay of Bengal (BoB) is much cooler than the southern bay. Additionally, the southern BoB is denser than the northern BoB. The strong seasonal cycle of temperature and salinity was noticed which eventually controls the comparatively fresher water in the north and saltier water to the south. Furthermore, the static stability parameter of the water column was used to understand the processes affecting the stratification. The more the water is stable, the more the stratification of water is observed. Vertical stability was undulated in the upper 200 m and between 300-500 m depth. It was also found to be varied with strong south-west monsoon and north-east monsoon. Summer monsoon showed much stable than the winter monsoon because of the river runoff. Perhaps, the less dense water floating in the surface in summer could create the layer much stratified by inhibiting the subsurface nutrient to come upward and the opposite pattern was seen in winter monsoon. In spring and fall, southern BoB stability was stronger than northern. The study revealed that both of the available open-source datasets are very useful and precise to each other.Read more
Material Flow Analysis Technique for Material Assesment of Ship Recycling Industry
Author: Khandakar Akhter Hossain DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-i1-1010
Ship recycling is a viable engineering process of recovery shipbuilding materials by dismantling end-of-life (EOL) ships in a profitable and safe way. There are few dozens of ship-recycling yards existing along coastal belt at Chottogram of Bangladesh. The local ship recycling industry provides the country's main source of steel, recondition equipment and machinery. The industry creates the opportunity of employment, generates revenues for government and contributes to the national shipbuilding industry. This industry promotes economic development for this country. At the same time, the negative image such as environmental pollution, health hazard and few accidents brings major challenges that should be overcome for the constancy of this industry in the long run. There are limited studies that have been found and most were based on preliminary and secondary baseline data analysis. The economic study of the local ship recycling industry particularly the recovery of reusable material and waste material generated from the ship recycling industry was derived on the basis of benchmarks from other countries. As a result, the policy-making decision based on those studies is not technically sound. From this perspective, the paper will discuss the viable economic assessment technique for ship recycling process by taking help both from existing literature and from other similar industry; justify the sustainability of material flow analysis (MFA) method for calculating the reusable material for local yards; apply the method on actual ground by feeding realistic situation and data. In this research work, more than one dozen ship yards have been selected to accumulate the data for a quite substantial period of time for various types of ships generally handled by the local ship breaking yard in Bangladesh. The study could be helpful for all stake holder and policy makers who are related with local ship breaking yards of BangladeshRead more
Control over Maritime Chokepoints an Assurance of Secure Lifeline
Author: Md. Mehadi Amin Miah, S. M. Saief Uddin Ahmed, Kazi Shaila Sultana DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-i1-1011
From ancient time explorers and military people traveled different lands for a living. In course of time, this natural need institutionalized through trade and commerce. Complementary interest rose through exchange mode of trade but contradictory condition developed with coercive military might in pursuit of wealth. Explorers tried to look for a geographical shortest way to save time and energy. Thereby the major geographical choke points of the world have become significant both from geopolitical and geo strategic perspective. There are approximately 200 straits or canals around the world but only a handful are known as choke points. Choke points are the strategic strait or canal which could be closed or blockaded to restrict energy flow or lifelines of governing states. This type of geopolitical aggression could surely cause international discontent. In 1982 Law of the Sea Convention further protected the international access for nations to sail through straits or canals and ensured these passageways are available as aviation routes for all nations. Hence the control over such geographical choke points and canals can assure politico-economic relief for nations whose main energy flow or lifeline exclusively depends on safe passage through geographical choke pointsRead more
Ocean Policy for Bangladesh – A Comprehensive Roadmap
Author: M Khaled Iqbal DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-i1-1012
As Bangladesh is on the course to achieve the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals, she needs to address a few significant ocean-related issues and challenges in order to support her political, economic and security interests. Today, the ocean is regarded as the last major frontier on earth for the exploration, exploitation and development of marine resources to sustain the prosperity of any maritime country and the people in future. The ratification of UNCLOS III has endowed Bangladesh with important rights and responsibilities in her maritime jurisdiction. The architect of the maritime vision of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman underscored the importance of endless sea resources and enacted the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act 1974 to establish Bangladesh’s sovereign rights over the sea area. The successful delimitation of maritime boundaries with the neighbouring countries in the recent years under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, through the verdict of ITLOS and PCA, has opened a new vista of opportunities in the sector of blue economy. That necessitates the formulation of a comprehensive Ocean Policy which should be multi-disciplinary in approach, and in consultation with the government agencies, private maritime industries, the wider community and other stakeholders. The policy should aim to ensure the ecosystem integrity and the conservation of marine biological diversity. It should also indicate specific sectoral measures commensurate with the broader goals of the blue economy set by the government. The overall vision of the Ocean Policy should be to ensure a healthy sustainable ocean; nurtured, understood and harnessed wisely for the benefit of all to achieve vision 2021, vision 2041 and the Delta plan 2100. But truly speaking there is a scope for better managing our maritime interests and resources while the entire gamut of maritime activities needs to be well coordinated.Read more
Maritime Safety and Security in the Bay of Bengal
Author: Md. Khurshed Alam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-i1-1013
Maritime safety and security is a pre-requisite for stability and growth in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) region to protect the prosperity and security of the region. Maritime security and safety encompasses all the operations which are being carried out to ward off threats from the sea. This region depends on safe, secure and clean seas and oceans for prosperity and peace. Through adequate maritime security, the region can maintain the rule of law in areas beyond national jurisdiction and protect the strategic maritime interests. Issues involved in Maritime safety and security in BoB region includes a developing system, systematic cross check, maritime surveillance, Marine Casualty Information and natural disaster. The study based on content analysis aims to discuss these issues in details and propose the ways ahead.Read more
Maritime Education and National Economic Growth: Bangladesh Perspective
Author: M Ziauddin Alamgir, M Mojahid Hossain Chowdhury DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-i1-1086
The concept of blue economy recognises the seas and oceans as main drivers for economic development with great potential for innovation and growth. Bangladesh is blessed with approximately 700 km long coast with nearly 1,18,813 sq. km. of maritime area. Hence it is likely to emerge as an important maritime State. The maritime sector in this country has a huge potential to boost national economic growth and thereby harness the blue economy. To tap the benefits from this sector, among others, there is a need for developing maritime human resources. Competent maritime human resources are considered as the backbone of the blue economy and hence the national economic growth. As such Bangladesh needs to emphasise more on developing human resources in this sector through proper maritime education. Collaboration at national and international level in the area of maritime research and education may be given priority to mitigate the challenges militating against the national economic growth. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh may play a key role in unlocking the potential of Maritime Education for enhanced national economic growth.Read more
Georesource Potential and Geohazard Status of the Bay of Bengal vis-à-vis Sustainable Development of ‘Blue Economy
Author: Aftab Alam Khan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-i1-1087
Formation of the Bay of Bengal is linked to the opening of the Indian Ocean and covers an entire off-shore region of Bangladesh wherein the geological processes and tectonic activities in the Bengal Basin have greatly influenced in enriching the Bay of Bengal. Spreading and creation of new seafloor of the Bay of Bengal have continued with the Indian plate motion to the north and northeast. Hence, the Bay of Bengal has been enriched with georesources. ‘Blue Economy’ is a concept that can significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of the nations situated around the oceans and seas. However, the sustainability of ‘Blue Economy’ greatly depends on the proper assessment and utilisation of the marine georesources. It is equally important to evaluate the geological hazards of the seas and oceans around the coastal countries in order to better safeguard the development of ‘Blue Economy’. Although Bangladesh is situated along the coast of northern Bay of Bengal having the largest continental shelf and the longest deep-sea fan within its legal exclusive economic zone (EEZ), it is the least studied and explored bay in the region that demands much greater attention. The present study is an effort to focus on to the possible geological resources like oil, gas and mineral potentials of the Bay of Bengal within EEZ of Bangladesh. Geological hazards like earthquake, tsunami and other ocean-related geological hazards have also been identified and their probable impact has been assessed for proper planning of development of a sustainable ‘Blue Economy’.Read more
A National and International Regulatory Framework for Establishing Sustainable Shipbreaking Industry in Bangladesh
Author: Md. Ashabur Rahman, Mansura Akter, Wahidul Sheikh DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-i1-1088
Shipbreaking and recycling activities are mostly done in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and China. Bangladesh is one of the leading countries around the world in shipbreaking. Shipbreaking industry generates huge employment opportunities for workers. Although working in Shipbreaking industry is very difficult, risky and hazardous, it may contribute a lot to the economy of Bangladesh provided sustainability is ensured. International regulations like the Basel Convention, the MARPOL (Marine Pollution) Convention, the Hong Kong International Convention, the IMO Convention, the ILO Guidelines and other international instruments play important role in controlling the environmental and safety issues concerned with the shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh. Present Shipbreaking laws of Bangladesh reflect the international conventions and guidelines. The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act, 2018 is obviously a good legislative initiative by the government. However, the government is working with national and international bodies for ensuring sustainable Shipbreaking industry in BangladeshRead more
Temperature Dependence of Electrical Properties of Biopolymer Gel with Increasing Polymer Concentration
Author: Nusrat Jahan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-i1-1089
This study is aimed to investigate the electrical properties of biopolymer gel as functions of polymer concentration and temperature. To perform this study, gellan gum was used as a biopolymer, which is a bacterial polysaccharide. The gellan polymer in solution dissociates into polyelectrolyte and it forms polyelectrolyte gel under a suitable condition. We studied the ionic conductivity variation of this gellan gel electrolytes with varying polymer concentration from 0.5 wt.% to 3.5wt.% which exhibit a slight increase in ionic conductivity at room temperature. In addition to different polymer concentration, we investigated the effect of temperature dependent electrical property from 300 C to 800 C and the Arrhenius plot obtained from this temperature dependence of conductivity revealed a stronger network with increasing polymer concentration.Read more
A Study on the Determination of Heavy Metals in Freshwater Aquaculture Ponds of Mymensingh
Author: Nashid Sultana, Md. Jahangir Sarker, Md. Amin Ullah Palash DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-i1-1090
Levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), led (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) were determined in the waters of a fish farm in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Metals were found to be present in varied concentrations: Cu (0.02–0.1 mg/L), Zn (0.055–0.072 mg/L), Pb (0.039–0.066 mg/L), Cd (0.014–0.29 mg/L) and Cr (0.13–0.23 mg/L). The results signify that levels of Cd slightly exceeded and Cr in water was almost 1 order of magnitude higher than the values stated by ADB (Asian Development Bank, 1994); EPA (Environment Protection Agency, 2002); WHO (World Health Organisation, 1993); WPCL (Water Pollution Control Legislation, 2004) and USPH (United State Public Health). In general, the rank order of heavy metals was Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd. This suggests that water of the investigated fish ponds is contaminated with metals and in turn, fish of that aquaculture farm could be harmful to human health.Read more
Review of Empirical Studies of Washback in Language Testing
Author: Raju Ahmmed, Kh. Atikur Rahman DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v3-i1-1091
Washback is one of the very few areas of English language assessment research in the last 25 years that has gained substantial attention. Commencing with the phenomenal work of Alderson and Wall (1993), a considerable body of empirical studies of washback has been carried out throughout the world. This paper reviews ten recent empirical studies of washback in language teaching between 2011 and 2018. The studies have been collected from several databases like ScienceDirect, ERIC, ResearchGate, Google Scholar and the peer-reviewed journals and university websites. This review demonstrates the research findings and theoretical underpinnings of the washback of assessments and tests in language teaching and testing. This review research finds that washback of high stakes test has both positive, negative and mixed (both positive and negative) impacts depending on the specific contexts and learners’ levels. The negative washback occurred when the focus shifted from learning the English language to test-taking strategies whereas the positive washback affected teachers, teaching methodologies, teaching contents, materials, learners and learner strategies.Read more
An Overview of Tropical Cyclone Formation over the Bay of Bengal
Author: Nasreen Akter DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-i1-1092
Tropical Cyclone is characterized by a warm-core low pressure system at the center called eye. It is often accompanied with strong gusty winds, torrential rains and storm surges which create great damage to life and property. The outer rain bands of the eye are made up of convective cells embedded in straight form rain. The horizontal shape of an outer rain band is generally prominent with equiangular spiral geometry but in the Bay of Bengal the eastern side band of the cyclone Sidr (2007) was a long, quasi-straight shape in the meridional direction that remained stationary relative to the cyclone center. In fact, the Bay of Bengal experiences many differences in forming tropical cyclone. The formation of TC is bimodal and the post-monsoon cyclone frequency is almost double than that of pre-monsoon cyclone. Again, pre-monsoon environments are more favorable for cyclogenesis. So, it is very important to improve the understanding of the cyclone characteristics and monitor their intensity in the Bay of Bengal.Read more
Freight Forwarding Industry: Function, Economic Role and Future Market in Bangladesh.
Author: S. M. Abu Nayem Sarker DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-i1-1093
A freight forwarder is an entity that acts as an intermediary between the actual shipper and the carrier. Freight forwarder provides other logistics and legal services for shipper as value added service, nowadays it books Freight, prepares documentation, arranges Warehousing and aids to Custom Clearance on behalf of shippers or importer. The aim of the paper is to uphold function, economic role and services provide by freight forwarder and predict future market in context of Bangladesh. There are about 837 freight forwarding company have been registered under Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA). Due to frequent shipment of garment, leather, medicine and other consumer product across the world, the industry is on making profit. The paper suggests some measures that can make our market stable for the future and some ways to reach sustainable goals simultaneously through technology (like cloud computing). And recommend freight forwarders leveraging new technology to compete with market leaders.Read more
Michael Porter’s Five Forces Analysis in Shipping Industry: Bangladesh Shipping Corporation Perspective
Author: Mohammed Mojahid Hossain Chowdhury, Khandeker Rasel Hasan, M Shahedul Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-i1-1094
Despite having all sorts of competitive benefits of being only state-owned shipping company in the country, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation’s (BSC) overall position in the industry is not up to the mark. That’s why BSC is explored based on prominent Michael Porter’s five forces model. It is an exploratory research and the analysis is based secondary data. The study encompasses the attribution with the elements of the model and identifies the competitive areas of BSC in shipping industry. Some recommendations were proposed which entails if BSC is emphasizing on the good economic and political relation with its suppliers through government, efficient and effective ancillary services of shipping, appreciation of industrial shipping, proper application of new laws and sustainable as well as cost effective means of sea transportation, BSC’s position in shipping industry would be far more better than present’s.Read more
Legal regime of ISPS Code: Maritime Security in Bangladesh
Author: Md. Asraful Alam, Moklasur Rahman DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-i1-1095
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) plays a vital role in the shipping industry, ports and the associate bodies of Government for maritime nations in particular. The strategic trend of transporting merchandise from one State to another is significantly increasing. However, unsteady world politics, the threat of extremism and maritime casualties very often affects the total maritime sector. For safe and security in this sector, legal regime of ISPS Code under chapter XI-2 of SOLAS is evolved after 9/11 attack in the USA. It comprises different levels of security, Governments obligations, the responsibility of ports, shipping industry and other stakeholders. ISPS Code established an international framework to foster cooperation among the Contracting Governments, Government agencies, local administrations and the shipping and port industries, in assessing and detecting potential security threats to ships or port facilities used for international trade. Bangladesh is not apart from these threats. Any threat to this sector may cause demolishing the whole development of the country. The concerned authority should take immediate steps towards confirming strong security according to the standard mentioned in ISPS.Read more
UNCLOS and the Future of Maritime Disputes in South China Sea
Author: M I Sharif DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-i1-1096
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) came into effect in 1994. All nations in the South China Sea except Chinese Taipei complied with the convention. Philippines, Vietnam, China, Brunei and Malaysia are the nations which ratified the convention consecutively. Chinese Taipei in 1998 adopted a series of domestic laws that conformed to the provisions of UNCLOS. Although some overlapping claims are noticeable, peaceful resolutions are possible according to the part XV of the convention. The peaceful way of settling the disputes is gainful for China because these can lead to good partnerships. Chinese ambitions may sound counterproductive but the soft approach will help China maintain a sphere of influence and support for its rise. The formation of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is an indication of influential superpower position of China through which she wants to contest USA. In fact, China is ready to make concessions peacefully with her neighbouring countries in order to remove the feeling of need for USA.Read more
The Difficulties of Maritime Communication and the Roles of English Teachers
Author: Raju Ahmmed DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-i1-1097
This paper looks at the communication difficulties faced by seafarers and the roles that English teachers can play to eradicate these communication deficiencies. The study finds that although English is an international maritime language, the mariners are yet to learn the skills of English efficiently. Over the years many accidents have occurred due to communication gaps or misunderstood communications. As mariners are trained before they go to the sea, the English teachers can do a lot to help them learn the language efficiently. By using new innovative methods and techniques, the maritime English teachers can produce fluent mariners who can encode and decode messages accurately.Read more
Interaction of Sea Surface Temperature and Precipitation during Indian Ocean Dipole years in the Bay of Bengal
Author: K M Azam Chowdhury, Md Kawser Ahmed, M Khurshid Malik, Md Masud-ul-Alam, Sirajuddin Md. Babar Chowdhury DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-i1-1098
Satellite data of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and Precipitation from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) were analyzed to investigate the interactions between them in Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) years in the Bay of Bengal (BoB), located at 5° N - 25° N and 80° E-100° E region. In an agricultural country like Bangladesh, the success or failure of sufficient rainfall and its effects on agricultural production and water scarcity on regional basis are always of great concern. Even, a small fluctuation in the seasonal rainfall can have devastating impacts on agricultural sector. Understanding of these variability's especially the extreme droughts and floods are of great importance because the country’s economy has bounded with the availability of monsoon rainfall. The SST has shown a significant relation with precipitation but there was some time lag. However, IOD did not show much regular influences on precipitation pattern. The investigation also reveals that SST was not the main parameter to occur the precipitation variation in the Bay. There may exist some other factors such as oceanic heat content, incoming solar radiation, wind etc, which might influence the seasonal/annual precipitation. Future study may reveal the other factors that control the precipitation pattern in the Bay including the whole Bangladesh land.Read more
Problems & Prospects of Bangladesh Shipping Industry: A Comparative Overview
Author: Wahidul Sheikh Shemon DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-i1-1099
Bangladesh is traditionally a ship building nation and has a rich heritage of timber shipbuilding of many hundred years. Germanischer Lloyd has declared Bangladesh as a shipbuilding nation of international standards in September 2008.She is presently contributing to the shipbuilding industries globally through its exported workforce. These facts do not speak only of a heritage but of an inbuilt ability of shipbuilding of people of this region. For the development of shipbuilding industry we need to generate adequate demand in the local and foreign market, elevated engineering skills, reasonable infrastructure, long term government policy support along with attractive investment climate. National and international issues and factors which apparently do not encourage shipbuilding in Bangladesh need to be addressed. Impacts of those issues will be evaluated and measures towards finding a solution will be incorporated. In this paper at first, an overall picture of this industry has been depicted by identifying the actual shipbuilding practice in both public and private sector. Relevant data have been explored through extensive review of literature, field visits, interacting with shipyard and ship owners. The potentiality, capability and problems of the shipbuilding sector of Bangladesh have been identified.Read more
Sustainable Shipping-Assurance of Safe Environment
Author: Md. Mehadi Amin Miah, S. M. Saief Uddin Ahmed DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-i1-1101
Humans have always had a close relationship with the aquatic environment, including the early use of the sea for food harvesting and communication. Shipping is one of the least environmentally damaging forms of commercial transport. Where it competes directly with other means of transport, shipping remains by far the most energy efficient. But the environmental performance of shipping is not perfect. Shipping causes a wide range of effects on the marine environment. Most of the harmful emissions come from the daily release of various substances. Oil, chemical cargo residues, garbage and cleaning agents, anti-fouling paints, exhaust and other air emissions, and invasive species from ballast water have ongoing adverse effects on life in the world’s seas. Quality shipping or sustainable shipping can be seen as a response to the environmental challenges the shipping industry is facing. Sustainability and related concepts, such as ecosystem services, planetary boundaries, newest technologies and resilience thinking, Ocean governance with IMO POLAR CODE could be used as guidance in addressing these challenges.Read more
Algorithm for Performance Appraisal using Cumulative Average Weighing Method
Author: M Ziaul Ahsan, Mamunur Rashid Khandkar, M Shahedul Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-i1-1102
Performance appraisal is an HR process, which plays an important role to drive employees for achieving organizational goal. Simple Additive Weighing (SAW) method is popularly used as a tool to calculate individual performance score (PS). Reflective factors (opportunity factor and optimum contribution factor) are not accounted in this method. Consequently, the assessed PS found to be less representative and biased. In the proposed Cumulative Average Weighing (CAW) method, those factors have been taken into consideration to make PS more representative and unbiased. A case studied for 5 years on 3 employees of the same status. Overall Performance Index (OPI) and Aptitude Index (API) have been calculated using performance score (PS) obtained in both the methods by Computer Based Performance Appraisal System (CB-PAS) software, developed in Visual Basic (VB). The analysis, using statistical tools (SD, MAD and AD) reflects that the PS as calculated by CAW method is more representative than that of calculated by the SAW method. The rate of change of API as calculated from the aptitude score facilitates the organization to talent management. Besides, Graphical Model for Score Interpretation (GMSI) used as an alternative tool for screening out and selecting the best option using data obtained from the CB-PAS.Read more
Tapping Potential of Global Demand for Seafaring Officers: An Agenda for Bangladesh
Author: M Nazmul Hassan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-i1-1103
The growing shortage of seafaring officers fuelled by the rapid growth of global fleet opened up opportunities to tap the potential of global demand of seafaring officers for populous and unemployment abundance countries like Bangladesh. Besides, the numbers of HSC passed students, having potential of becoming seafaring officers, are also on the rise in Bangladesh every year. By producing more seafaring officers out of these youngsters and marketing them effectively for manning the commercial fleet around the globe, Bangladesh could have reaped benefits of earning huge remittance and thus ensured her socio-economic development. To examine the potential of the global demand for seafaring officers and to formulate agenda for Bangladesh, the researcher looked for the answers of the primary research question as to what is the current status of Bangladeshi Seafaring officers and how she can maximize the accruing from the global demand. The study also examined present manning situation and supply capability of seafaring officers in Bangladesh. Finally, the paper recommends courses of action for Bangladeshi seafaring stakeholders to tap the potential from the global demand for seafaring officers.Read more
India-Bangladesh Trade: The Prospect of Inland Water Transportation System
Author: Khandaker Rasel Hasan, M Ziauddin Alamgir, M Shahedul Islam DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-i1-1104
India, the third largest trading partner of Bangladesh, the most neighbor country having a transboundary waterway which connects some of the growth centres in India and almost all of the growth centres in Bangladesh. Despite having most of the advantages of modal choice covering least cost, environment friendly, congestion free and safe as well as institutional arrangement that is the Protocol on Inland Water Trade and Transport, the trade between Bangladesh and India through Inland Water Transport (IWT) is negligible. For decades the trade through IWT was mostly limited to one commodity which is fly ash, but few shipments of containers between these two countries this year is remarkable.This paper would institute with an overview of the trade pattern between Bangladesh and India, the transportation modal share, and an overview of the potential IWT system of Bangladesh and some parts of India that have a trans-boundary link. And then it would try to analyse the challenges that hinder the trade through IWT mostly the lack of infrastructure, investment, awareness, and longer lead time, lack of service providers, imbalance trade, inflexibility, water depth and institutional weaknesses. In parallel an examination of the development programmes that have been undertaken or in plan to upgrade the IWT in both the countries could create the opportunity for the entrepreneurs of both the countries to offer alternative transport logistic solution reducing the total cost of manufacturing.Read more
The Approaches of Teaching and Learning Maritime English: Some Factors to Consider
Author: Raju Ahmmed DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-i1-1105
The objective of this paper is to find out the linguistic features of maritime English and to investigate the approaches that the teachers and learners can follow. The present study also investigates the needs of the maritime students in order to develop good syllabi and the approaches of teaching. The present study finds that the language abilities that the maritime students mostly need are reading, writing and spoken English. The paper represents how the learners should learn maritime terminologies, read texts and comprehension and write responses to emails or letters. It also explains how the teachers should teach the required skills to the maritime students, how they (teachers) can develop communicative competence among the students, and the other factors they should consider while designing the syllabi and course contents of maritime English.Read more
The Supply Chain of Sea Fish from Source to Consumer: Bangladesh Perspective
Author: Wahidul Sheikh, Sukanta Sen, Rakibul Hasan DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-i1-1106
Supply chain is a burning issue in the new era of global business. Organizations always try to make the supply chain efficient to ensure maximum value to the final consumers. As a riverine country fishes play a vital role in the livelihood and food habit of Bangladesh. But no remarkable research work has been found on the supply chain of sea fishes of Bangladesh.This empirical research based on primary and secondary data depicts the supply chain of sea fishes of Bangladesh. Based on survey research techniques the researchers demonstrate the distribution channel of sea fishes from fishermen to final consumers. In Bangladesh, sea fishes are sold in more informal markets and its supply chains consist of a number or combination of mid-chain players who transform, package, and move product from the point of production to the final sales. But this existing supply chain is quite complex, lengthy and costly. This paper also highlights other underlying hindrances of the supply chain of sea fishes in Bangladesh. Besides, the authors proposed a new model which is free from the influence of intermediary and private parties. The new model incorporates and integrates an information technology based central distribution centre to make the supply chain more effective for all the related parties. But further research is required to find out the effectiveness and challenges of the proposed model.Read more
Impact of Climate Change on Safe Navigation in Inland Waterways: Bangladesh Perspective
Author: Md Shahjahan, Mohammed Mojahid Hossain Chowdhury DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-i1-1107
Climate is often described in terms of long-term averages and other statistics of weather conditions, including the frequencies of extreme events. It is a long-term change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods of time that range from decades to millions of years to a specific region, or may occur across the whole Earth. Direct and indirect effects of climate change like sea level rise, change in rainfall pattern, extreme weather condition (most importantly stronger winds, higher waves, faster currents, floods and lean flows, shifting sand banks etc.), increase in temperature and siltation of river beds and river bank erosion. The inland water transport sector of Bangladesh is being affected by most of these climate change effects. The navigators (Masters and Pilots) of inland ships are playing a vital role in our economy by shipping passengers, goods and other raw materials from one place to another place. Their role is very important in maritime transportation and their knowledge about climate change impacts on navigation which should be adequate for performing good service to the economic activities of the country. Hence, the aim of this study is to collect information about the knowledge, skills, interests, attitudes, and abilities of navigators. In view of above, a questionnaire survey was conducted while ships are called at Sadarghat and Narayanganj port areas. The gathered information was grouped considering navigational risk due to climate change impacts on inland waterways. The findings of the study revealed that masters and pilots lack in sufficient knowledge about the adverse weather which is arising from the climate change and they require adequate and appropriate knowledge to navigate the ship in such environment as well. Study results have also demonstrated about Masters and Pilots skill level and shortage of theoretical and practical knowledge in ship handling and contingency planning during emergencies. Implementation of specialized training programmes will be useful to build the capacity of Inland Masters and Pilots, so as to mitigate the impacts of climate change on navigation in confined water.Read more
Exploring Applicable Models and Tools to Analyze Accidents of Inland Water Transports of Bangladesh
Author: A S M Abdul Baten DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-i1-1108
Abstract Millions of people use Inland Water Transport (IWT) as a cheap mode of vehicle in Bangladesh. Due to various reasons it is found that the passenger vessels in river routes are not as safe as it should have been. Reflections are vivid to public through media reports regularly. Although accidents at inland water ways in Bangladesh are not as frequent as those happening on roads, but on many occasions, it has been found that losses of life and damage of property on waterways are quite high. Sometimes accidents on board passenger vessels cause immense damage to the environment as well which has a long-lasting effect on nature. Study reveals that the ways in which accident cases are investigated and analyzed, the root causes of accident cases are not revealed. The author feels that so far the issue has not been addressed well in Bangladesh using the right tool or model based on any theory. This paper gives a guideline towards framing a model which can be used to analyze accidents which operators of passenger vessels face on a regular basis in Bangladesh.Read more
Problems and Prospects of Maritime Education in Bangladesh
Author: M Ziauddin Alamgir DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-i1-1100
Bangladesh, being a maritime country, has economic and political dependence on her sea area. After having international recognition through judicial process, it is right time to utilise the ocean resource for sustainable development of the country through all means of exploration, collection and conservation of marine resources. But truly speaking, the conditions of human and technical resources are frustratingly insufficient to implement the concepts of blue economy in Bangladesh. This research focuses on the current situation, challenges and prospects of maritime education and training in Bangladesh for the purpose of sustainable economic development through blue economy.Read more