The 25th international conference of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission (NIOHC) began in Chattogram on Monday.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hasan inaugurated the three-day conference as the chief guest, according to ISPR.

Director of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), representatives of member states of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission, diplomats, and senior military and civil officials attended the conference organised by the Bangladesh Navy.

Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, assistant chief of naval staff (operations) of the Bangladesh Navy and chairman of both the National Hydrographic Committee and the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission, chaired the event.

In his inaugural speech, the Chief of Naval Staff underscored the need to establish a "National Hydrographer" as an independent hydrographic authority at the national level, in line with other maritime states around the world.

He said the "National Hydrographer" would serve as a coordinating and regulatory authority for Bangladesh's overall hydrographic activities.

"Such an initiative would strengthen maritime security by ensuring the safe navigation and movement of commercial and other seagoing vessels," he added.

He further said that it would also play an important role in blue economy activities and coastal area management.

The progress, achievements and future plans of various hydrographic activities of the participating countries were also presented.

Besides, detailed discussions were held on mutual coordination, technical cooperation and training assistance in hydrographic activities among the countries of the North Indian Ocean region.

Among the 15 regional commissions under the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), the ‘North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission’, established in 2002, is one of them.