Bangladesh has formally ratified the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) concerning the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
The instrument of ratification was deposited by Md Touhid Hossain, adviser for Foreign Affairs, at a high-level treaty event during the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 26 September 2024, according to a press release.
Adopted by consensus at the UN on 19 June 2023, the BBNJ Agreement marks a significant milestone in global ocean governance. It aims to strengthen the international legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond national jurisdiction, notably through transparent environmental impact assessments and capacity-building efforts for developing countries.
With Bangladesh’s ratification, the country joins a growing list of nations leading the charge toward the swift implementation of this historic agreement.
The BBNJ Agreement will enter into force 120 days after 60 member states have ratified, approved, or acceded to the treaty.
Bangladesh played an active role in the negotiations, particularly contributing to key issues such as Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs), the transfer of marine technology, and capacity-building efforts, in accordance with Article 14 of UNCLOS.
As an early ratifier, Bangladesh aims to facilitate the agreement’s timely enforcement and remains dedicated to ensuring its universal and effective implementation.
