Dhaka, Aug. 17 -- Bangladesh's emerging shipbuilding industry, already earning global recognition, could transform into a new engine of growth if the country embraces green shipbuilding, industry experts have said.

They cautioned, however, that the sector continues to face deep-rooted challenges such as lack of long-term financing, high production costs, and policy capture favouring other industries.

Speaking at a seminar titled "Green Shipbuilding: A New Frontier for Industrialisation", organised by the International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) at a city hotel on Saturday, they emphasised that eco-friendly, low-emission vessels are quickly becoming the global standard.

With proper reforms and institutional support, Bangladesh ...