Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the neighbouring countries to come forward to curb various maritime crimes as it was not possible for a country to do so.

“It's not possible for a country to curb these crimes ... it's possible to root out these crimes through unified efforts and this is indispensable.”

The PM said this while inaugurating the 14th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) 2018 at the Hotel Radisson in the capital.

It is essential to ensure the safe plying of water vessels in the sea for communications and trade as 90 percent of foreign trade of Bangladesh is done by sea transportation, Hasina said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina receives a memento from Rear Admiral AMMM Aurangzeb Chowdhury. The premier is attending the meeting as chief guest. Photo: BSS

“Though regrettable, in our maritime boundaries, human trafficking, illegal arms trafficking, unreported and unregulated fishing, piracy, armed robbery and many more illegal activities often take place.”

Hasina mentioned that not only the local criminals but also those from the neighbouring countries were also involved in the criminal activities. The criminals also use sophisticated technologies and machinery in committing their crimes.

Pointing out sovereign rights of Bangladesh over huge sea areas after winning the maritime boundary cases against India and Myanmar, she said there was an abundance of resources there. “If we can extract these resources several generations in the future will be benefited ... this will also play a huge role in our economy.”

The PM said the government had formulated Blue Economy policy for the safe and environmentally sustainable use of resources. “We've started our work to implement this and I believe this will play a significant role in the development of Bangladesh.”

About the importance of ocean, Hasina said there was a link between the development of human civilisation and ocean, while early human habitation was built centring seas or waters.

Besides, 70 percent of world's people still live within 100km of the coastline, she said, adding that the nearer a society is to the ocean, the better the life is of its members.

On the other hand, Hasina said Bangladesh as a big delta had got 12 districts of three divisions situated adjacent to the coast.

It is very important to ensure security in the coastal areas as the lives and livelihoods of the people of these districts are mainly dependent on the sea, she said.

Hasina hoped that the heads of Asian Coast Guard agencies would be able to find ways and means for future improvement of the maritime security through sharing their experiences at the Dhaka meeting.

Bangladesh Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral AMMM Aurangzeb Chowdhury also spoke at the programme.

Earlier, the PM unveiled a postal stamp and an opening-day envelope marking the HACGAM 2018.