Cox's Bazar proposed site for new Blue Economy university

Interior Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has proposed the establishment of a specialized public university, the University of Blue Economy Sciences and Technology (UBEST), in Cox's Bazar. The initiative aims to harness the vast marine resources of the Bay of Bengal through higher education, research, and professional training to address the current shortage of skilled human resources in the sector.

To expedite the process and reduce the need for immediate massive infrastructure investment, the proposal suggests utilizing the existing facilities of the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) in Ramu. This would allow the university to begin academic and practical operations quickly using BORI’s laboratories, scientific equipment, and research frameworks.

Proposed initial academic programs include oceanography, fisheries and aquaculture, marine environment, coastal resource management, blue economy, marine informatics, and tourism and hospitality. Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has reportedly instructed the Ministry of Education to take the necessary steps regarding this proposal.