Blue economy has the potential to promote economic growth, improve livelihoods, and create jobs while protecting marine ecosystems. This research uses a comprehensive analysis of secondary data sources to assess various blue economy sectors, including maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore renewable energy, marine tourism, marine biotechnology, and ocean mining. By examining the blue economy experiences of developed nations like the United States, Canada, Japan, Norway, and Australia, the study identifies the best SDG practices and strategic lessons applicable to Bangladesh. In the case of Bangladesh, the research focuses on the blue economy initiatives, opportunities, and challenges associated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The blue economy and SDGs nexus in the context of Bangladesh demonstrates that out of 17 goals, 12 SDGs (SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 16 and SDG 17) are linked with blue economy practices in Bangladesh. However, in the case of developed countries, only six SDGs (SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14) are connected to the blue economy because of the diversity of blue economy practices across the countries. Situated along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh has significant potential to utilize its marine resources for sustainable development. However, it faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory gaps, environmental risks, and limited technological advancements. The study thus emphasizes the need for integrated policy frameworks, stakeholder coordination, investments in sustainable infrastructure, public–private partnerships, technological innovation, and community engagement.

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a significant global issue that threatens marine biodiversity, economic stability in coastal communities, and the international law of the sea and maritime law enforcement. This study analyzes the legal mechanisms and roles of international and regional arrangements in combating IUU fishing. It identifies enforcement challenges, resource limitations, and needs for capacity building as key gaps in the management of IUU fishing. This analysis focuses on a comprehensive identification of the current and enforceable laws within the international sphere. Furthermore, it specifically examines the legal framework of Bangladesh for IUU fishing and notes persistent enforcement and resource constraints. Challenges include enforcement gaps, inconsistencies in global coordination, and complexities in maritime jurisdiction. Bangladesh faces significant challenges with IUU fishing due to inadequate regulations, weak enforcement, and poor management. Foreign intrusions, unauthorized trawlers, and local violations exacerbate the depletion of crucial fish species and the loss of biodiversity. In the Bay of Bengal, the activities of Indian and Burmese fishermen within Bangladeshi territorial waters are leading to significant disturbances. These actions not only result in substantial economic losses for Bangladesh but also present major challenges due to their illegality. To effectively combat IUU fishing, Bangladesh requires robust legal frameworks, stringent monitoring, enhanced penalties, and international cooperation. Analysis and the identification of gaps in the case of Bangladesh can function as a pivotal guide for various stakeholders and may be employed as a critical model for academic and policy frameworks.

Within the context of rapid technological advancements, the ethical dimensions of maritime security are explored, focusing on the challenges and opportunities brought about by emerging technologies and their implications for maritime security practices. Potential risks related to technology misuse, such as privacy infringement, disproportionate use of force, and the erosion of human judgment and accountability, are emphasized. The importance of adopting a balanced approach that considers both the benefits and risks of technological advancements is stressed, as well as the need for robust governance frameworks and international cooperation to ensure responsible and ethical technology use in maritime security. The research methodology involves a systematic literature review of scholarly articles, policy documents, and relevant case studies in the field of maritime security. Ethical frameworks, including proportionality, necessity, transparency, accountability, and human rights, are applied to assess the ethical implications of technologies like unmanned maritime systems, cyber threats, and surveillance capabilities. The significance of ethical training and education for maritime security personnel in promoting responsible and accountable decision-making is underscored, and the article proposes the inclusion of case studies and simulations as effective tools for examining the practical application and effectiveness of ethical training in real-world scenarios. By advocating for a proactive approach that balances technological opportunities with ethical principles, this article contributes to the ongoing discourse on maritime security ethics, providing valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in the field, and offering a roadmap for fostering a secure, transparent, and rights-respecting maritime domain.

This article conducts a comparative analysis of maritime diplomacy in the Black Sea and Bay of Bengal, focusing on the challenges and strategies of regional cooperation mechanisms like the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). It explores the unique geopolitical contexts of these maritime regions, addressing issues such as territorial disputes, resource competition, piracy and environmental concerns. The study examines the influence of external powers, including Russia, the EU, China and the USA, and their impact on regional dynamics. Utilizing a comparative analysis approach, the study examines the geopolitical dynamics, roles and effectiveness of BSEC and BIMSTEC in promoting economic integration, security collaboration and crisis response, along with the influence of external powers on these dynamics. The findings reveal the pivotal roles of both organizations in addressing maritime challenges, despite facing issues like economic disparity among members and geopolitical tensions. Key initiatives like joint naval exercises and security agreements have been effective in enhancing regional maritime security and stability. The study concludes by highlighting the need for strengthening organizational frameworks, enhancing transparency and integrating environmental considerations into maritime diplomacy, considering emerging trends like cybersecurity and the increasing role of non-traditional actors.

Bangladesh’s 2024 July Revolution, also referred to as the Anti-Discrimination Movement or July Uprising, followed the Supreme Court’s reinstatement of a quota system allocating 56% of public-sector jobs, including 30% for descendants of freedom fighters, about 10% for women, about 10% for district-based allocation, 5% for indigenous communities, and 1% for people with disabilities. Protests spread rapidly, led primarily by students and young professionals, and were met with curfews, mass arrests, internet shutdowns, and live ammunition. Domestic monitoring confirmed 819 deaths, while a later United Nations assessment estimated as many as 1,400, suggesting that the national toll likely exceeded contemporaneous counts. Drawing on human rights reporting, news sources, and eyewitness accounts, this article analyzes fatalities by age, occupation, cause, and region, and examines how youth leadership, martyrdom narratives, and media coverage shaped public sentiment. Percentage estimates refer to confirmed cases during the study period, while the later United Nations estimate is noted to contextualize scope. The findings clarify who was most at risk and where and when lethal force clustered, and they situate these patterns within debates on protest policing and accountability during a period that culminated in the resignation of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The article contributes to scholarship on protest movements and outlines implications for institutional reform in Bangladesh.