A historical evaluation of shipbuilding heritage in the Bengal region: A geographical perspective

• Mostafa Aziz Shaheen ^[2] ; M. R. Ashikur Ashikur ^[2] ; R. S. Rupom ^[1] ; Mashiur Rahaman ^[3]
  1. [1] Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology

     Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology

     Boalia Upazila, Bangladés

     
  2. [2] Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University
  3. [3] Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology

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• Localización: Journal of maritime research: JMR, ISSN 1697-4840, Vol. 20, Nº. 1, 2023, págs. 46-58
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Shipbuilding is an ancient art of many hundred years in the Bengal region. The rich history of shipbuilding has started with wooden boats used as modes of transportation and reflections of relationships in Ancient India. The principal aim and objective of this study was to look up the history of shipbuilding in the Bengal region. To achieve the aim and objective the history was split into three broad periods: pre-colonization, colonial, and post-colonial. Besides, this study looked at the rise and fall of shipbuilding from the initial to present, as well as the national and international importance of the Bay of Bengal region. This study had performed through secondary data that were collected from various secondary data sources e.g., literature, books, research article, newspaper, online archives, and performed the ’content analysis’ method to define the brief history of the shipbuilding heritage Bengal region. The shipbuilding history inthe Bengal region began with wooden boats in the ancient period when the ship was the primary mode of communication and transportation for natives. During the colonial time, the local shipbuilding underwent a turning point as technological advancements from the western world like the steam engine. However, during the post-colonial period, the shipbuilding sector saw noteworthy improvement, which was followed by a strong boost led by privateentrepreneurs. At present, due to some noteworthy advantages over 200 shipbuilding companies have operated in Bangladesh, with the majority of them centered in Dhaka, Chittagong, Narayanganj, Barisal, and Khulna. This region had a strong history of shipbuilding, as well as a high potential for future market expansion. A concerted effort by both government agencies and private businesses is the only way to gain a foothold in the worldwide market. To attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in this industry, proper standardization and long-term planning are required.