Bangladesh stepped up its campaign for re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council by hosting a diplomatic dinner in New Delhi on Thursday, drawing envoys and senior diplomats from dozens of embassies.

Bangladesh won a seat in the IMO’s 40-member Council for the first time in 2023, securing 128 votes in the fiercely contested Category C, which represents states with special maritime interests and ensures regional balance.

Addressing the gathering, Bangladesh’s Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping said the country’s maritime transport sector has expanded significantly, with its ports emerging as vital seaways for global trade. Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, Director General of the Department of Shipping, presented Bangladesh’s credentials, while Deputy High Commissioner Preeti Rahman also spoke at the event.

The IMO, the UN body that regulates international shipping standards, influences policies on maritime safety, security, seafaring, and pollution control. Bangladesh’s renewed bid underscores its ambition to play a larger role in shaping global maritime governance.

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