Navigating the blue economy in Bangladesh: Strategic prospects, challenges and pathways toward sustainable maritime growth

The blue economy presents a transformative opportunity for Bangladesh to harness its vast marine and coastal resources for sustainable development. With an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of approximately 118,813 km² in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh stands at the cusp of unlocking significant economic, environmental, and social benefits. This paper critically assesses the current state, opportunities, and barriers to implementing a sustainable blue economy strategy in the country. Drawing on policy documents, sectoral data, and recent literature, the study highlights key sectors such as fisheries, marine transport, coastal tourism, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology that hold substantial potential to diversify the national economy, generate employment, and enhance resilience to climate change. Despite the promise, challenges persist, including institutional fragmentation, environmental degradation, inadequate scientific infrastructure, and limited access to finance and technology. The study proposes an integrated roadmap that aligns blue economy development with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasizes the need for robust governance frameworks, scientific innovation, regional cooperation (e.g., through BIMSTEC), and strategic investments to ensure ecological sustainability and inclusive growth. Bangladesh's transition to a blue economy will require harmonizing short-term economic goals with long-term environmental stewardship to build a resilient maritime future.