Bangladesh has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to transform the vast resources of the Bay of Bengal into a pillar of a sustainable economy while safeguarding marine biodiversity.

On Wednesday (14 January), a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) and Japan’s renowned Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) to promote marine conservation, sustainable fisheries and the development of a resilient blue economy. 

The signing ceremony took place at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka, in the presence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The MoU was signed on behalf of MIDA by its Executive Chairman, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, while Professor Mitsutaku Makino, President of the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) under the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, signed for the Japanese organisation.

After witnessing the signing, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed deep concern over increasing marine pollution. “Our sea is a major asset, yet it is becoming more polluted every day. Plastic waste has now been found even several thousand metres below the sea surface,” he said. 

He added that the agreement would act as a shield in protecting and cleaning the country’s marine environment.

Professor Yunus also announced that the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of Chittagong would be involved in the research component of the initiative. 

Under the agreement, three villages in Maheshkhali will be developed following Japan’s ‘Umigyo’ concept—an integrated marine-industry model—into ideal, ocean-based fishing villages.

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation is one of the world’s largest independent philanthropic organisations. Under this partnership, several transformative initiatives are planned, including the establishment of model fishing villages based on the Japanese Umigyo concept to ensure modern, self-sufficient and sustainable coastal communities.

The project will also focus on infrastructure development, including the construction of jetties, automated fish landing centres, cold-chain facilities and improved transport systems.

 Modern technology will be introduced to enable deep-sea fishing, alongside the establishment of fish processing plants. In addition, fishermen will receive advanced training aimed at improving safety at sea, enhancing welfare standards and diversifying fish exports.

MIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said the partnership would strengthen scientific capacity and strategic planning to fully harness the potential of the Bay of Bengal. “This collaboration will take Bangladesh to a new height in utilising its marine resources sustainably,” he said.

Professor Mitsutaku Makino expressed optimism that the initiative would further strengthen bilateral ties between Japan and Bangladesh, while significantly improving the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The agreement was signed as part of the ‘Northeast Indian Ocean Regional Dialogue’, held on 13 and 14 January at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. Experts from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives participated in the dialogue, which focused on regional cooperation in ocean governance and sustainable maritime development.