Bangladesh Centre for Ocean Law and Policy (BCOLP) is a non-profit, non-partisan forum for education, research and training on ocean law and policy, focusing on Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal. BCOLP aims to generate debates and discussions on Bangladesh’s position in the global and regional ocean governance and raise public awareness about maritime security, marine environmental protection, natural resource management, blue economy and other relevant aspects of ocean governance. The centre also fosters original research on national, regional and global ocean law and policy. BCOLP envisions a rule-based international order where natural resources are sustainably managed and equitably distributed.
Empowering Ocean Governance for a Resilient Future
We envision a future where a rule-based international order guides the sustainable management and equitable distribution of ocean resources. BCOLP strives for a world where the oceans are conserved, protected, and utilized in a manner that promotes ecological integrity, economic prosperity, and social equity. Our vision encompasses a harmonious coexistence between human activities and marine ecosystems, ensuring the well-being of present and future generations in Bangladesh and beyond.
At BCOLP, our mission is to serve as a catalyst for education, research, and training in ocean law and policy, particularly focusing on Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal region. We aim to foster constructive debates and discussions on Bangladesh's role in global and regional ocean governance while raising public awareness about critical maritime issues such as security, environmental conservation, resource management, and the blue economy. Through our initiatives, we seek to empower stakeholders with knowledge and insights to contribute towards sustainable ocean management and equitable resource utilization.
At BCOLP, we are dedicated to excellence, ensuring that our research, education, and advocacy efforts deliver impactful outcomes. Integrity is paramount in all our operations, as we uphold principles of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct. Through collaboration, we amplify our impact by partnering with diverse stakeholders, fostering collective action. Innovation drives our approach, as we continuously seek creative solutions to address the complex challenges of ocean governance and climate resilience. We empower individuals and communities to actively participate in shaping sustainable ocean policies and practices. Sustainability lies at the heart of our work, as we advocate for practices that safeguard marine ecosystems and coastal communities, ensuring a thriving planet for future generations.
Dr Abdullah Al Arif, Founder and Director of BCOLP, is an Internationally experienced legal researcher specialising in ocean governance and the law of the sea. He holds a PhD in law and has recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yokohama City University, Japan. Dr Arif published a research monograph, “Sustainable Fisheries Management and International Law: Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal,” with Routledge (2022) and several research articles in leading journals.
Quazi Omar Foysal, Deputy Director of BCOLP, is an aspirant international law practitioner hailing from Bangladesh. Currently, he is serving as a Lecturer at American International University-Bangladesh, where he has been teaching law, including international law since 2019. Besides, he is an enrolled Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. He studied at UCLouvain (Belgium), Geneva Academy (Switzerland) and the University of Dhaka (Bangladesh).
Saiyeed Jakaria Baksh Imran, Program Coordinator at BCOLP, is a lecturer at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University (BSMRMU). He also is a licensed practitioner at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and has over 5 years of experience in legal practice. Mr Saiyeed is passionate about Maritime Practice and research and obtained his specialization in Maritime Law from the prestigious Scandinavian Institute of Maritime Law of the University of Oslo.
Every dollar you donate goes towards funding research, advocacy campaigns, community outreach programs, and collaborative projects aimed at creating a more sustainable future for the Bay of Bengal region and beyond. Your generosity enables us to make a tangible impact on the ground, empowering communities, protecting biodiversity, and building resilience to climate change.
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