On 06 June 2022, the Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD) organised the BIMRAD Maritime dialogue on a virtual platform. The first episode of this dialogue series was held on the topic 'Prospects and Challenges of Ocean Shipping in Bangladesh'. Participants included representatives from regulatory bodies of the shipping industry, ports authority, merchant mariners, business representatives, Bangladesh Navy Officials (serving and retired), and representatives of prominent think tanks of Bangladesh.

The dialogue identified the immense prospects of the shipping industry in Bangladesh and the probable challenges emanating from internal and external sources. As the geopolitical and geo-economic dynamics have become more complex, the shipping industry has been at the forefront of the current global situation, affecting every aspect of the global economy. Bangladesh is implementing a master infrastructural development plan to boost its growing economy. The discussants agreed that the shipping industry should be supported with a comprehensive plan to tackle the ongoing challenges to get the most out of the country's developmental trajectory.

This outcome document summarises the key takeaways of the discussion and recommendations for more significant contributions of the shipping industry to the national economy. These outcomes will also be made available to the dialogue participants and the relevant stakeholders for their consideration.