Papers by Md Minarul Hoque
The Bay of Bengal (BoB), a semi-enclosed basin in the northern Indian Ocean, exhibits complex upp... more The Bay of Bengal (BoB), a semi-enclosed basin in the northern Indian Ocean, exhibits complex upper-ocean dynamics driven by monsoonal winds, intense freshwater influx, and strong seasonal stratification. These processes critically modulate vertical mixing and surface productivity, yet comprehensive assessments that integrate their combined influence over recent decades remain limited. This study addresses that gap by analyzing the seasonal and interannual variability of mixed layer depth (MLD), surface chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), seawater density, salinity, wind speed, Ekman pumping, ocean currents, and precipitation using high-resolution satellite-derived datasets (CMEMS, ERA5) spanning 2014-2023. The results reveal pronounced seasonal shifts in MLD, deepening to ~ 24 m during the summer and winter monsoons and shoaling to ~ 12 m in spring. While wind-induced mixing dominates the central and southern BoB during peak monsoon winds (~ 4.5 m/s), strong freshwater stratification in the northern BoB limits vertical exchange, even under high wind stress. Surface Chl-a concentrations remain persistently low offshore (averaging 0.27 ± 0.15 mg/m 3 ) with weak correlations to MLD and sea surface temperature (SST), whereas elevated coastal productivity is linked to wind stress curl, fluvial inputs, and mesoscale features such as eddies and Rossby waves. By integrating physical and biological parameters across space and time, this study offers new insights into the mechanisms controlling upper-ocean structure and productivity in the BoB. The findings provide a valuable baseline for regional climate assessments, biogeochemical modeling, and sustainable marine resource management in this ecologically sensitive basin. Mixed layer depth (MLD) • Chlorophyll-a • Monsoonal influence • Bay of Bengal • Wind forcing
The Karnaphuli river, essential for the economy and biodiversity of Bangladesh, faces increasing ... more The Karnaphuli river, essential for the economy and biodiversity of Bangladesh, faces increasing threat due to the proximity of industries, necessitating regular water quality monitoring to safeguard both environmental and economic interests. Hence, this study investigates the nutrient distribution and physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and electric conductivity) in relation to the chlorophyll a dynamics in the Karnaphuli river estuary during the monsoon season for evaluating water quality in the river estuary, stretching about 42 kilometres. Surface and deep-water samples while electric conductivity, temperature, turbidity, and pH have been measured using a CTD tool. Spatial turbidity (562.1 NTU) resulted in a decrease in dissolved oxygen (3 mg/L), which poses a serious threat to the study area is indicative of a healthy aquatic ecosystem evident by the presence of high productivity indicated importance of regular water quality monitoring in the Karnaphuli river to safeguard both the environment and economy of Bangladesh, urging collective action to mitigate the escalating threats posed by industrial activities and ensure the long-term sustainability of the river ecosystem.
The PAAL Magazine, 2023
The socioeconomic conditions of Bangladesh are driving the country to explore opportunities prese... more The socioeconomic conditions of Bangladesh are driving the country to explore opportunities presented by its sea resources. The country's landmass ratio to population has reached a critical point, with land resources depleting rapidly. This trend is unfavorable for sustaining the nation's growing economy. The peaceful resolution of maritime disputes further underscores the necessity of maximizing the utilization of sea resources to promote the country's economic development. The Bay of Bengal (BoB) holds particular significance as the third neighbor of Bangladesh. Beyond its valuable sea resources, the BoB's strategic location plays a crucial role. Bangladesh's trade and commerce rely heavily on maritime routes, with over 90% of trade conducted via sea. This reliance highlights the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal. In light of these factors, tapping into the extensive natural resources available through the sea holds paramount importance for Bangladesh's strategic growth and economic progress.
BIMRAD PAAL Magazine, 2023
Marine pollution has been a growing concern for decades. Various forms of pollutants threaten the... more Marine pollution has been a growing concern for decades. Various forms of pollutants threaten the Bangladesh coast. With a large population within a tiny land mass, Bangladesh will be more focused on the Bay of Bengal in the future for economic growth. Marine pollution is a cause of concern for Bangladesh and needs to be addressed right now before it goes beyond the manageable threshold. Most marine plastic pollution comes from the land. The ever-growing dependence of humans on plastic has filled the oceans and the land. The rising level of plastic dumps in the oceans is suffocating, ingesting and entangling the life underwater and above it. It is learnt that the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea are the new marine plastic hotspots in Asia. Hence, it is imperative to understand the plastic pollution in the Bay of Bengal, its impact on us and ecological imbalance as a whole.
AFD Journal, 2021
The value of environmental information for planning and executing naval operations has been recog... more The value of environmental information for planning and executing naval operations has been recognized by developed Navies for decades. The 21st century’s battlefield has evolved dramatically. Remaining at the forefront of technological development, global navies have adopted network centric warfare long before their army and airforce counterparts. At the heart of 21st century naval warfare, the knowledge of where and how to remain important. Of the different branches of the armed services, navies have been the most susceptible to environmental conditions due to their operational environment. The different factors associated with operations in maritime environments have made environmental data forecasting important, especially to naval operations. In today’s naval engagements, accurate depiction and forecasting of environmental conditions can be used to provide a significant advantage over an adversary.
Navy Journal, 2020
This article unfolds identifying the blue economic activities in Bangladesh highlighting the pres... more This article unfolds identifying the blue economic activities in Bangladesh highlighting the present capacity and prospect of these areas which will pay dividends in the future. Bangladesh Navy (BN) is a strong pillar for Blue Economy activities in Bangladesh. Besides, providing traditional security at sea, BN is engaged in fishery protection duties which yield substantially to the marine reserve. With the expansion of marine economic activities, BN has also increased its benign duties in manifolds. In the last decade, BN has progressed a lot in terms of capacity building and ocean related activities. Thus, this paper critically dissects all the dimensions that BN is contributing to the blue economy of Bangladesh. Finally, it suggests a few areas where BN needs to focus its endeavor by expanding naval support towards blue economic growth as well as accomplishing the national maritime objectives of Bangladesh.
BIMRAD PAAL Magazine, 2021
Bangladesh is recognized worldwide as one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of glob... more Bangladesh is recognized worldwide as one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of global warming and climate change. This is due to its unique geographic location, the dominance of floodplains, low sea elevation, high population density, poverty, and overwhelming dependence on nature, its resources and services. We need to be prepared to face the worst environmental phenomena in future. Hence, knowledge-driven initiatives, including knowledge enhancement, vulnerability assessment, should get priority. Subsequently, developing an action plan and aligning all national plans/goals and infrastructure development to build a climate-resilient Bangladesh is the only solution that we have now.
Books by Md Minarul Hoque
Institute of Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh Studies (IBBBS), 2024
The research "Evaluating Matarbari Deep Sea Port's Sustainability Road Map: A Triple Bottom Line ... more The research "Evaluating Matarbari Deep Sea Port's Sustainability Road Map: A Triple Bottom Line Approach" critically examines the sustainability strategies for Bangladesh’s Matarbari Deep Sea Port (MDSP), a pivotal infrastructure project supporting the nation’s goal of becoming a developed country by 2041. Using the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework, the study assesses MDSP’s economic, environmental, and social sustainability, offering insights for policymakers and stakeholders to balance growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity. The research highlights MDSP’s potential to drive economic growth through cargo handling, revenue diversification, and transshipment agreements while addressing social challenges like community displacement and employment disparities through participatory development and inclusive job opportunities. Environmentally, it recommends green certifications, renewable energy adoption, and waste management to minimize ecological impacts. By aligning with global sustainability standards, MDSP can serve as a model for sustainable port development in South Asia, fostering regional trade, environmental protection, and social equity. The study underscores the need for continuous monitoring, adaptive policies, and stakeholder collaboration to achieve long-term sustainability goals.
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Papers by Md Minarul Hoque
Books by Md Minarul Hoque