(BSS) - The Satellite Ocean Observation and Data Innovation Center, the country`s first satellite-based ocean data center, was inaugurated at Chittagong University today.

State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin inaugurated the center as the chief guest and highlighted its importance in supporting marine resource management, climate research, fisheries development and disaster preparedness.

Addressing the function, he said the center would enable Bangladesh to collect and manage ocean-related data on its own.

"Previously, others collected data and information from us. Now, we have gained an opportunity to collect and manage data ourselves," he said.

The State Minister expressed hope that researchers, policymakers and stakeholders would use the information generated by the center for the welfare of the people and the country`s development.

He said the data and information produced by the center would be useful both on land and at sea, particularly for sailors, fishermen and those involved in the shipping and fisheries sectors.

Assuring necessary support for the facility, he said efforts would be made to provide uninterrupted electricity and high-speed internet to ensure its smooth operation.

Among others, UGC Chairman Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, UGC Member Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam, CU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh Li Shaopeng, Deputy Director of the Second Institute of Oceanography Prof. Dr. Fu Bin and Center Director Prof. Dr. Mohammad Muslem Uddin attended the programme.

Established under China-Bangladesh cooperation, the center is expected to play a significant role in advancing marine research, sustainable resource management and early warning systems for natural disasters.