Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan today said Bangladesh’s green shipbuilding industry has the potential to become the country’s next major foreign exchange earner after the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

“If the garment sector is our first great leap into global trade, green shipbuilding can be our next—delivering both economic growth and environmental stewardship,” he said. “Globally compliant green ships carrying the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand with pride are not an impossible dream. It is within our grasp if we act now with vision, urgency, and unity.”

He spoke as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Green Shipbuilding: A New Frontier for Export Diversification”, organised by the International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) at a city hotel.

Special guest Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for Finance, and Policy Research Institute (PRI) Chairman and CEO Dr Zaidi Sattar also addressed the event.

Adilur said the global market is shifting towards eco-friendly, low-emission vessels. “Countries that can design, build, and export such ships will lead the maritime economy of tomorrow,” he noted, adding that Bangladesh could emerge as a regional hub for sustainable shipbuilding, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs while helping combat climate change.

He pointed to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) targets to cut carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050, saying Bangladesh should develop energy-efficient designs, use LNG, hybrid, and solar-powered systems, and adopt sustainable materials to capture the green ship market.

The Ministry of Industries, he added, will work with other ministries and stakeholders to ensure clear regulations, investment incentives, and international partnerships.

IBFB President Lutfunnisa Saudia Khan, Director Engr Md Sakhawat Hossain, and Immediate Past President Humayun Rashid also spoke.

MN/