Bangladesh Plans Specialised Blue Economy University in Cox’s Bazar
The government is planning to establish a specialised public university in Cox’s Bazar focused on the blue economy and marine research, following a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
In a Nutshell
- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the Education Ministry to work on establishing a specialised Blue Economy university in Cox’s Bazar.
- The proposed University of Blue Economy Science and Technology (UBEST) will focus on marine research, higher education, practical training, and the development of skilled human resources.
- The university may initially use the existing laboratories, research facilities and other infrastructure of the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) in Cox’s Bazar.
- According to marine experts, the institution can support areas such as fisheries, coastal development, marine resource management, pollution control, marine spatial planning, and climate resilience.
Context
Blue economy refers to the sustainable use, management, and conservation of ocean, sea, and coastal resources to drive economic growth while protecting marine ecosystems. A proposal for a university specialised in maritime education, research, and skilled manpower on the Bay of Bengal coast was sent to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman by Home Minister and Cox’s Bazar-1 lawmaker Salahuddin Ahmed on September 13. The prime minister subsequently directed the Education Ministry to take up the initiative.
Rather than building everything from scratch, the proposal suggests using BORI’s existing infrastructure, laboratories and research facilities to begin academic and practical activities more quickly.
Why It Matters
The blue economy is not limited to fishing or marine resources. It also covers areas such as coastal development, marine technology, environmental protection and climate resilience. Moreover, port strategies are a huge part of the blue economy. For a country closely connected to the Bay of Bengal, having trained people who can research and manage these areas could have long-term economic value.
What We Think
This is a positive initiative, particularly because the proposed university is being designed around research and practical skills rather than degrees alone. The decision to build on BORI’s existing facilities makes it even more realistic. Furthermore, incorporating port strategies into the academic focus may enhance Bangladesh’s already strong potential in port development and translate that potential into more efficient and sustainable maritime growth.