CHATTOGRAM, June 09: The inauguration ceremony of the newly built Satellite Ocean Observation and Data Innovation Centre (SODIC-CU), a joint initiative of the University of Chittagong and China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, was held in a festive atmosphere on Tuesday.
State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin attended the event as the chief guest, while Chittagong University (CU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Al-Forkan presided over the programme.
Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed, UGC member Prof Dr Mohammad Ayub Islam, CU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, CU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Md Kamal Uddin, and Chinese representative and Second Institute of Oceanography Deputy Director Prof Dr Fu Bin were present as special guests.
Speaking as chief guest, State Minister Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin said the new centre would have a far-reaching impact on Bangladesh’s Blue Economy.
He said oceanographic research is crucial for a country like Bangladesh, noting that a large portion of marine resources remains underutilised due to a lack of precise data on their location and potential.
“This specialised data and information centre will help bridge that gap. We will be able to use the findings in fisheries, weather forecasting and ocean monitoring,” he said.
The minister thanked the Chinese Embassy and the Second Institute of Oceanography for supporting the initiative. He also expressed gratitude to the CU Vice-Chancellor and all those involved in establishing the centre.
UGC Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed said the centre would play an important role in improving the livelihoods, security and economic prospects of coastal communities through oceanography and technology-based research.
CU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Al-Forkan described the day as historic for the university, saying the data generated from the ground station would contribute significantly to the national economy.
“With the information collected through this facility, we will be able to make a meaningful contribution to Bangladesh’s economic development,” he said.
