DU CORRESPONDEN : University of Dhaka (DU) celebrated World Oceans Day 2024 on Saturday (June 8) with the theme 'Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean and Climate'. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Oceanography and the International Centre for Ocean Governance (ICOG) of DU. On the occasion of World Oceans Day 2024, a rally was held at the premises of Curzon Hall, DU.

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A. S. M. Maksud Kamal attended the rally as the chief guest and inaugurated this momentous occasion. Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Sitesh Chandra Bachar and Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences Prof. Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman were present as the special guest of the event.

Chairman of the Department of Oceanography Dr. KM Azam Chowdhury and Former Chairman of the department Prof. Dr. Jobaer Alam and Dr. Tonia Astrid Capuano, an esteemed oceanographic researcher from France, participated in the rally.

The program was chaired by Dr. KM Azam Chowdhury, Chairman, Department of Oceanography, DU. Faculty members, students, and invited special guests of this department participated in the rally with banners, placards, and festoons. The rally aimed to raise awareness among the peoples about current global issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, global warming, conservation of marine resources, preservation of biodiversity, and marine hazards.

After the rally, everyone gathered in the premises of Kazi Motahar Hossain Bhavan, where both teachers and students shared their thoughts about the ocean. The students shared their thoughts and showed confidence in advancing ocean research in the future. They explained how initial worries have turned into pride and confidence through studying this new and promising subject.

Addressing at the rally, DU VC Prof. Dr. A. S. M. Maksud Kamal said, "Sea level rise brings about consequential damage. Consequently, cyclones, floods, and natural disasters are on the rise. Preserving the health of our oceans holds the key to safeguarding the richness of marine life and plays a pivotal role in sustaining our planet."

Chairman of the Department of Oceanography Dr. KM Azam Chowdhury and Former Chairman of the department Prof. Dr. Jobaer Alam extended their heartfelt congratulations and sincere thanks to all the teachers and colleagues who attended in the rally.

In addition, to raise awareness about the oceans and globalize ocean conservation efforts, the United Nations officially declared June 8th as World Oceans Day in 2008, although it has been celebrated since 1992.