K M Shahriar Nazrul^a, Md. Monjurul Hasan^b,c, Fang Qinhua^b*

*E-mail：qhfang@xmu.edu.cn

【Abstract】：Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is recognized as a crucial tool for exploring the blue economic potential and coordinating the diverse stakeholders in the marine waters of Bangladesh. Following the resolution of maritime disputes with neighboring countries, Bangladesh began the process of adopting an appropriate ocean governance framework. Despite significant government attention to this initiative, the country has yet to successfully develop MSP. This research analyzes the current status of the MSP process in Bangladesh, utilizing the step-by-step MSP approach proposed by Ehler and Douvere (2009) as a comparative framework. The findings indicate that the MSP process is still in its initial stages in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for further development and strategic planning. In particular, a clear authority for coordinating MSP has yet to be established, leading to jurisdictional ambiguities, specifically with the Blue Economy Cell (BEC) and the Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries (IMSF). Financial support for MSP initiatives remains insufficient, and while preliminary steps, including informal stakeholder consultations and the development of maritime maps, have commenced, formal goals and comprehensive stakeholder engagement are still lacking. As a result, significant progress in critical stages of the MSP process, specifically from Step 7 to Step 10, remains unachieved, indicating a necessity for strengthened coordination, funding, and structured planning to facilitate effective marine spatial governance in Bangladesh. To drive the future ocean-based sustainable economy, a coordinated and legally supported MSP is now urgently needed in Bangladesh. These results will help to promote the future MSP development in Bangladesh.

【Keywords】：Bangladesh, ocean governance, marine spatial planning, blue economy.