The Satellite Ocean Observation and Data Innovation Center, the country’s first satellite-based ocean data centre, was inaugurated at Chittagong University on Tuesday.
State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin inaugurated the centre as the chief guest and highlighted its importance in supporting marine resource management, climate research, fisheries development and disaster preparedness.
Addressing the function, he said, “the center would enable Bangladesh to collect and manage ocean-related data on its own.”
“Previously, others collected data and information from us. Now, we have gained an opportunity to collect and manage data ourselves,” he also said.
The State minister expressed hope that researchers, policymakers and stakeholders would use the information generated by the centre for the welfare of the people and the country’s development.
He said, “the data and information produced by the centre would be useful both on land and at sea, particularly for sailors, fishermen and those involved in the shipping and fisheries sectors.”
He assured necessary support for the facility and added that the center would make efforts to provide uninterrupted electricity and high-speed internet to ensure its smooth operation.
Among those who attended the programme were UGC Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed, UGC Member Prof Dr Mohammad Ayub Islam, CU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Al-Forkan, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh Li Shaopeng, Deputy Director of the Second Institute of Oceanography Prof Dr Fu Bin, and Centre Director Prof Dr Mohammad Muslem Uddin.
Established under China-Bangladesh cooperation, the centre is expected to play a significant role in advancing marine research, sustainable resource management and early warning systems for natural disasters.
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