BSS) – Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi hosted a dinner Thursday to seek support from the member states of International Maritime Organization (IMO) for Bangladesh’s re-election to the council.

Senior Secretary of Shipping Ministry Mohammed Yousuf addressed the gathering and highlighted Bangladesh`s expanding maritime transport sector and the increasing role of its ports in facilitating international trade, according to a press release received here today.

Director General of Department of Shipping Commodore Md Shafiul Bari made a detailed presentation on Bangladesh`s maritime achievements and priorities.

Deputy High Commissioner Preeti Rahman also spoke at the event.

Ambassadors and senior diplomats from numerous embassies joined the gathering, which reflected Bangladesh’s active diplomatic outreach ahead of the upcoming IMO council election, it said.

Bangladesh secured a historic win in 2023, claiming a seat for the first time in the IMO council`s highly contested Category ‘C’ by receiving 128 votes in London.

It said the IMO, the UN`s sole specialised agency for regulating global shipping, sets standards on maritime safety, security, seafaring, and pollution control, all of which are vital to sustaining international trade.

According to IMO, the 40-member IMO council — divided into Categories A, B, and C — serves as the organisation`s executive body, shaping global maritime policy. Category C, in particular, ensures the inclusion of states with special maritime interests while maintaining geographical balance.