ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Bangladesh’s maritime economy policies, mindful of the evolving sustainable ocean economy model, often called the blue economy (BE). It appraises the requirements for sustainable BE planning and relates Bangladesh’s empirical policies. Analysis suggests that while Bangladesh has embraced the BE notion, its action planning differs from the model and may circumvent the model’s successful implementation in developing its maritime economy. The model is evolving; the keynotes are inclusive and holistic—multisectoral and with a long-term view, assuring low carbon/zero emission; yet it is proactive, without deflating nature’s capacity to support the economic wellbeing of present and future generations. Bangladesh seeks to unlock the potentials of its oceanic possessions and to use them for the nation’s sustained development; but many elements of its national maritime policy seem inconsistent with “valuing the oceans” and with the BE model.
