Bangladesh, being a Member State of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), celebrates World Hydrography Day on June 21 every year. This year's celebration theme was 'Hydrography: Underpinning the Digital Twin of the Ocean'.

A seminar was held at the Bangabandhu Military Museum in the capital city, organized by the Bangladesh Navy, to commemorate 'World Hydrography Day 2023'. The event took place on 21ST June, 2023 and was graced by the presence of State Minister for Shipping, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, as the chief guest, and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal, NBP, NUP, ndc, afwc, psc as the special guest.

The seminar witnessed the participation of heads of various organizations, divisions, and departments of the National Hydrographic Committee, as well as representatives from concerned ministries, agencies, and maritime stakeholders. Distinguished professionals and academicians from the hydrographic and oceanographic sectors delivered seminar papers on topics such as the Digital Twin of the Ocean (DTO), scientific aspects of Ocean Conservation, Hydrographic Cooperation, and Blue Economy. Besides, the hydrographic display of BN Hydrographic Services and Industry Stakeholders added new dimension and exuberance.

Hydrography plays a vital role in creating the Digital Twin of the Ocean (DTO), which combines hydrographic data with innovative technologies to better understand our oceans. The DTO serves as a platform for simulating various oceanic scenarios, facilitating the evaluation of potential impacts from human activities, climate change, and natural disasters.

Bangladesh became the 70th Member State of the IHO on July 2, 2001. The Bangladesh Navy represents the country at the IHO and has been responsible for hydrographic surveys and nautical chart production of maritime areas since 1983.

By celebrating World Hydrography Day and facilitating the sharing of knowledge, technologies, and best practices, national hydrographic cooperation among stakeholders can be enhanced. This collaboration will significantly contribute to gathering the necessary scientific information for creating the ocean we desire.

Chairman of National Hydrography Committee Rear Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, OSP, NPP, ndc, ncc, psc of Bangladesh Navy delivered the welcome speech. The Director Hydrography and Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD) Captain M Minarul Hoque presented the keynote paper. It was a delightful program for all the participants on that particular day.