The country’s first satellite-based ocean data centre, the Satellite Ocean Observation and Data Innovation Centre, was inaugurated at the University of Chittagong (CU) on Monday.

State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin inaugurated the centre as chief guest and highlighted its importance in supporting marine resource management, climate research, fisheries development and disaster preparedness.

Addressing the programme, he said the centre would enable Bangladesh to independently collect and manage ocean-related data.

“Previously, others collected data and information from us. Now we have the opportunity to collect and manage our own data,” he said.

The state minister expressed hope that researchers, policymakers and stakeholders would use the information generated by the centre for public welfare and national development.

He said the data 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

Assuring necessary support for the facility, he said steps would be taken to ensure uninterrupted electricity and high-speed internet services for its smooth operation.

Among others, 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 attended the event.

Established under China-Bangladesh cooperation, the centre is expected to play an important role in advancing marine research, sustainable resource management and early warning systems for natural disasters.