Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ In a historic achievement, Bangladesh emerged victorious in the 175-member International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council election for 2023, securing a significant mandate with 128 votes in category C. This marks Bangladesh’s first-ever triumph in the highly competitive category C of the IMO, a feat celebrated as a testament to the nation’s growing influence in maritime affairs. The announcement, received from the Bangladesh mission in London, underscored the notable achievement and highlighted the pivotal role of Bangladesh in global maritime governance.
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Following the election results, Saida Muna Tasneem, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the UK and Permanent Representative to the IMO, expressed gratitude to the IMO members for their vote of confidence in Bangladesh. She reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to the IMO’s charter of action for addressing maritime challenges. Tasneem extended her appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Shipping of Bangladesh, reserving special acknowledgment for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her bold decision to participate in the IMO Council election in 2023.
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The Bangladesh envoy emphasized that the country’s election to the prestigious 40-member IMO Council reflects the confidence and trust placed by IMO member states and the international maritime community in Bangladesh’s leadership as a maritime nation. The prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was acknowledged as a driving force behind this success. Prior to the council election, Tasneem had been elected by consensus as the Vice President of the 33rd assembly of the IMO. She said, “Bangladesh’s election to the International Maritime Organization’s elite 40-member council is a testimony of the confidence and trust that the IMO member states and the International Maritime Community places on Bangladesh’s leadership as a maritime nation and action led by the prudent leadership of our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
As the only specialized UN body regulating global shipping standards with a profound impact on ship operating flag states, seafarers, maritime safety, security, and marine pollution, the IMO plays a crucial role in shaping the maritime landscape. Bangladesh’s election to the IMO Council carries significant weight, considering that 90 percent of the country’s international trade relies on maritime routes. During the term 2024-25, Bangladesh is poised to address key issues at the IMO Council, including the transition of maritime ports into green and digitalized entities, compliance with the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling, and the adoption of greener fuels for sustainable maritime practices.
