Adilur Rahman Khan, Industries Adviser, has set a bold vision: green shipbuilding could be Bangladesh’s next forex juggernaut, following in the footsteps of the ready-made garment sector. Speaking at a seminar on ‘Green Shipbuilding: A New Frontier for Export Diversification,’ he didn’t mince words. “If the garment sector is our first great leap into global trade, green shipbuilding can be our next great leap—delivering both economic growth and environmental stewardship. Globally compliant green ships carrying the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand with pride—this is not an impossible dream. It is within our grasp if we act now with vision, urgency, and unity.”
This isn’t just aspirational talk. The global shipping industry is turning green, and fast. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set aggressive targets: 40% carbon emissions reduction by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Shipping companies are already demanding cleaner, fuel-efficient vessels. Bangladesh, with its growing shipbuilding prowess, is perfectly positioned to seize this opportunity.
Adilur laid out a clear roadmap. “Green shipbuilding is no longer just a name. It is rapidly becoming the global standard. Countries that can design, build, and export eco-friendly, low-emission vessels will lead the maritime economy of tomorrow.” He emphasized that Bangladesh can become a South Asian leader in eco-friendly maritime technology, creating high-skilled jobs in design, engineering, and advanced manufacturing while contributing to global climate goals.
But how? The adviser outlined concrete steps. Shipyards must gain global green certifications, adopt renewable energy in production, and offer customized eco-friendly vessels. The Ministry of Industries will create more facilities, forge international partnerships, and collaborate with the Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Environment, and other stakeholders to ensure clear regulations and an investment-friendly environment.
This isn’t just about government action, though. True transformation, Adilur stressed, must come from entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. “Shipyards should gain global green certifications, use renewable energy in production, and offer customized eco-friendly vessels for global customers. IBFB can connect industry, policymakers, financiers, and global markets to facilitate this.”
The seminar, organized by the International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB), brought together key players to discuss this vision. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, chief adviser’s special assistant for finance, spoke as the special guest, while Policy Research Institute (PRI) chairman and CEO Zaidi Sattar gave a presentation. The message was clear: Bangladesh has the potential to become a global hub for sustainable shipbuilding, but it requires unity, urgency, and a shared commitment to innovation.
This isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about positioning Bangladesh as a leader in the green maritime revolution. The world wants green ships, and Bangladesh can deliver. The question is, will the industry rise to the challenge?