Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain has officially announced Bangladesh's candidature for Category C of International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term.

The adviser formally announced the candidature at a reception at the IMO Delegates Lounge in London yesterday, according to a message received today.

Besides, as a symbolic gesture, the shipping adviser also presented a model Bangladeshi ship replica to the IMO Secretariat.

This is the first time a Bangladeshi replica ship has been established at the IMO Secretariat at the initiative of Bangladesh shipping adviser since Bangladesh's membership at the IMO in 1976.

The model Ship replica has been made by Khulna Shipyard Ltd, Bangladesh, the message added.

The shipping adviser highlighted Bangladesh's maritime heritage, strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, and growing role in global trade, with over 5,000 ships calling at its ports annually and a fleet of 95 ocean going and 20,000+ coastal vessels.

Reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to sustainable maritime development, he expressed strong support for the IMO's decarbonisation goals and noted the country's leadership in ship recycling -- underscored by its ratification of the Hong Kong Convention, which helped trigger its entry into force.

With over 21,000 trained seafarers, Bangladesh remains a champion of maritime safety, seafarer welfare, and gender inclusion.

The shipping adviser also called on the IMO Secretary-General at his office to discuss enhanced cooperation in green shipping, alternative fuels, and technology transfer.

Currently serving on the IMO Council for 2023–2025, Bangladesh seeks re-election and the continued support of member states to advance a safer, greener, and more inclusive maritime future.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives, and delegates from various member states and international organisations were present there.

From Bangladesh, High Commissioner and Permanent Representative to the IMO Abida Islam, Deputy High Commissioner Hazrat Ali Khan, DG Shipping Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam, Counsellor (Maritime Affairs) and Alternate Permanent Representative Captain Kazi ABM Shameem and Counsellor (Political) Moumita Zeenat were present at the event.