Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said Bangladesh wants to introduce a scholarship in the marine sector for small islands and Africa’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) named after Bangabandhu through the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
“We want to introduce 10 cadet training scholarships after the name of Bangabandhu through the IMO,” she said when its secretary-general, Arsenio Dominguez, met her at her official residence, Ganabhaban, in the morning.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM’s Speech Writer M Nazrul Islam said the IMO secretary-general gladly received the proposal.
The scholarship awardees will be trained at Bangladesh’s marine academies.
The IMO chief stressed the need for measures to increase women mariners.
The Bangladesh premier said her government has employed women mariners alongside inspiring others like them to be mariners.
She appreciated the IMO for its efforts to free the crew members of the hijacked Bangladesh-flagged ship MV Abdullah within a month.
Sheikh Hasina called on the IMO to take appropriate measures to ensure maritime safety and security.
“Seaways are very important for our economy,” she said.
She also said the surrounding countries of the Bay of Bengal together are ensuring the safety and security of seaways.
“Take similar initiatives in other places to ensure the safety of the seaways,” she added.
