DHAKA, Sept 26, 2024 (BSS) – Adviser to the Ministries of Shipping, Textiles and Jute Brig. Gen. (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain today said Bangladesh has a potential to be as one of the top countries in the world in producing skilled sailors.

He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a function organized by the Department of Shipping marking the ‘World Maritime Day-2024’ in the city’s Agargaon area.

Noting that Bangladesh marine academies are very modern and international standard, the adviser said, “Skilled and talented sailors are being trained from five marine academies of Bangladesh.”

He said the interim government is working on how to improve the quality further of these institutions.  “I don't think there is any particular obstacle in the way of Bangladesh emerging as one of the top achievers in the world in marine manufacturing,” he added.

Referring to Chattogram port with its hundreds years of tradition, Adviser Sakhawat said, “We have the largest inland waterway, the vast Bay of Bengal and of course we have skilled sailors as well. We are working earnestly to restore our tradition of sampan and ship building.”

The recognition by International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a ‘C’ category country is the first step for Bangladesh to move forward in the marine sector, he mentioned, adding that Bangladesh will compete in the IMO elections next year (2025). 

During his speech, the adviser lauded the professionalism of the Bangladesh Navy and greeted all concerned on the occasion of World Maritime Day.
 
At the outset of his speech, the shipping adviser recalled the supreme sacrifices of the brave individuals, who embraced martyrdom in the July-August Uprising against corruption and injustice creating an opportunity to rebuild the country. 

He called upon all concerned to be united to avail this opportunity for the betterment of the country and its people as a whole.

Director General of Shipping Department Commodore Mohammad Maqsud Alam and Acting Secretary of Shipping Ministry Sanjay Kumar Bonik were present, among others.