BusinessToday24 Correspondent, Dhaka: The Bangladesh Mariners Community formed a human chain in front of the National Press Club in the capital, demanding a solution to visa complications, guaranteed employment for unemployed cadets and ratings, and the cancellation of the decision to issue CDCs to diploma holders.
The human chain, held on Wednesday, was organized by Captain Redwan Sikder. Senior leaders from various political parties and professionals from the maritime sector addressed the event.
Jonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Gana Sanghati Andolon, said, “Due to visa complications, hundreds of marine officers, engineers, and ratings are unable to sign on or sign off in Dubai-based shipping companies. As a result, Bangladesh is losing a significant amount of remittance.”
He added, “Just like the Filipino and Indian seafarers, Bangladeshi sailors must also be granted OK2 board visa facilities in Europe, America, and Arab countries.”
Saiful Haque, a top leader of Ganotonto Mancha, said, “To ensure employment for unemployed cadets and ratings, their placement on domestically flagged vessels should be doubled. Also, the irrational decision to issue CDCs to diploma holders must be withdrawn immediately.”
Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, Executive President of Gano Forum, said, “In countries with a high concentration of shipping companies, one maritime counselor should be appointed to actively protect the interests of Bangladeshi seafarers abroad.”
He further stated, “The government has invested heavily in institutions to train seafarers. Now it must take stronger initiatives to create job markets.”
Other speakers at the event included Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, Convener of the Bhashani Anusari Parishad; NCP leader Dutee Aranya Chowdhury; Marine Captain Atiq; Engineer Masud Rana; Captain Sajjad; Engineer Jilani; Chief Officer Kaikobad; Engineer Saiful; Shershah; and Engineer Bazlul Rahman.
Speakers pointed out that shortly after its founding in 1972, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) had a fleet of 39 ships and tankers, but today it has only five.
They argued, “If the government purchases 100 ships, Bangladesh can avoid hiring foreign vessels for imports, and the country’s reserves could increase by 100 billion dollars annually. At the same time, 20,000 seafaring families will no longer have to worry about their livelihoods.”
They also urged the government to provide interest-free loans to private entrepreneurs to increase the number of ships flying the Bangladesh flag.
