He said that after assuming power in 2001, the BNP government did not take any initiative.
But, after coming to power for the second time, the AL government took steps in this direction and established authority over vast marine areas and its resources, he said.
The head of government said that marine resources can make a huge contribution to the development of the national economy.
“We are giving priority to ensuring the protection of marine resources as well as their maximum utilization,” he said.
To this end, he also said that his government is working to strengthen the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard to boost their ability to secure vast maritime areas.
“We are working to make proper use of marine resources so that we can use it for the socio-economic development of the people,” he said.
He further said that they have already set up an institute to conduct research to ensure maximum utilization of marine resources.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has established the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University and the Maritime Institute to develop the skilled manpower that is required to promote the blue economy.
He said, “The Territorial Waters and Marine Zones Act, 1974” is serving as an important guideline and it is hoped that it will serve the same in future also.
He also reiterated his commitment to transform Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous and smart country free from poverty and hunger by 2041. “We have to realize the dream of the Father of the Nation.”