On 14 August 2025, the Bangladesh Centre for Ocean Law and Policy (BCOLP), in collaboration with the Department of Law and Land Administration, Jagannath University (JnULLA), brought to life its first-ever campus seminar: “Introduction to the Law of the Sea: Understanding the Basics.” This seminar marked a significant step in BCOLP’s mission to foster ocean law awareness among the next generation of legal minds in Bangladesh.
The journey of the program began with the vision and guidance of Dr. Abdullah Al Arif, Founder and Director of BCOLP. His unwavering commitment to ocean governance inspired the team to bring this initiative from concept to reality. Behind the scenes, Professor Christine Richardson, Dean, Faculty of Law and Chairman, Department of Law and Land Administration, extended her steadfast support, ensuring the seminar could take place and setting a tone of inspiration from the very start.
The seminar opened with her welcoming words, motivating students to dive into the complex world of ocean law. Following this, Ms. Nadia Islam Nody, Lecturer at the Bangladesh Army International University of Science and Technology (BAIUST), captivated the audience. She introduced the fundamentals of the Law of the Sea with clarity and passion, making a complex subject accessible and engaging for all participants. Her session combined theory with practical examples, helping students grasp the relevance of international maritime law to Bangladesh.
Throughout the day, the program ran seamlessly under the guidance of Shihab Ul Haque, Coordinator of BCOLP Campus Programs, and the overall supervision of Istiak Ahmed Efat, BCOLP’s Centre Administrator. Their leadership turned a well-laid plan into a successful reality. Seven volunteers from the Department of Law and Land Administration – S. M. Juwel Hasan, Md. Sojib Mia, Samy Sadman Sakib, Mst. Sayma Arobe, Nazmul Hasan, Sohanur Rahman Sohan, and B. M. Ahoshanur Rahman – worked tirelessly, infusing energy and ensuring that every detail ran smoothly.
To encourage active learning, a short assessment was conducted for the participants. Among them, Jamil Ahmad (2nd Year, Law and Land Administration, JnU) distinguished himself as the Best Participant of the Day, achieving the highest score and demonstrating his keen understanding of the subject matter.
The seminar concluded with inspiring words from respected faculty members, including Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, Chairman of the Department of Law, Associate Professor Ahmed Ehsanul Kabir, and Assistant Professor Md. Meftahul Hasan. Their encouragement and wisdom left the students motivated and energized, giving the program a vibrant and meaningful conclusion.
This seminar is a testament to BCOLP’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in ocean governance and maritime law. By combining academic expertise, hands-on guidance, and student engagement, BCOLP continues to pave the way for Bangladesh to realize its potential in the field of ocean law. The Centre looks forward to hosting more such initiatives, fostering collaboration between government bodies, academic institutions, and young professionals dedicated to shaping the future of Bangladesh’s maritime sector.
