IUB signs MoU with DEHUKAM for maritime research collaboration

The Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies (CBoBS) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ankara University National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law (DEHUKAM).

The virtual signing ceremony connected Dhaka and Ankara.

The agreement sets out plans for joint research on maritime challenges, faculty and student exchanges, technical knowledge sharing and policy development initiatives. It focuses on ocean governance and maritime law, with a framework for long-term academic and operational collaboration.

Prof M Tamim, vice-chancellor of IUB, and Dr Mustafa Başkara, CEO of DEHUKAM, signed the MoU.

Prof Tamim said the partnership would support sustainable ocean governance and maritime law, stressing the need for tangible outcomes.

Dr Mustafa Başkara highlighted DEHUKAM's expertise in maritime law, policy and marine spatial planning, noting its team of more than 24 senior researchers. He underlined the importance of the MoU for joint research, training and resource sharing with CBoBS.

Ambassador Tariq Karim, adviser to CBoBS, spoke of the historical ties between Bangladesh and Turkey and said both nations have a shared responsibility to uphold maritime peace, trade and the rule of law.

Rear Admiral Md Khurshed Alam (Retd), director of CBoBS, recalled his 1997 naval training in Turkey and emphasised opportunities for capacity building, knowledge exchange and operational maritime research, citing Bangladesh's maritime trade and Turkey's strategic location as areas for cooperation.