New York, 26 September 2024:
On 26 September 2024, the Hon’ble Adviser for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Md. Touhid
Hossain, deposited Bangladesh’s instrument of ratification for the Agreement under the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine
Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) at the UNGA High
Level Treaty Event held in New York today.
The BBNJ Agreement, adopted by consensus at the UN on 19 June 2023, represents a
landmark achievement in the governance of the global commons, aimed at strengthening
international legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological
diversity in maritime areas beyond national jurisdiction through transparent environmental impact
assessment and also by supporting capacity-building efforts of developing countries. The BBNJ
Agreement will enter into force 120 days after 60 Member States have deposited their instruments
of ratification, approval, acceptance, or accession. It also includes
With the deposit of the instrument of ratification, Bangladesh has now joined the ranks of
the pioneering nations that have ratified this vital Agreement. Bangladesh actively participated in all
stages of the negotiations and made significant contributions to the final text, particularly regarding
issues related to Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs), the transfer of marine technology, and
capacity-building in line with Article 14 of UNCLOS.
This ratification underscores Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to international
cooperation and regulatory initiatives in marine affairs. As an early ratifier, Bangladesh aspires to
pave the way for the swift entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement and remains dedicated to its
universal and effective implementation.