State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday said that seafarers are the lifeblood of the country`s maritime trade.
"The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid the foundation of the maritime sector in Bangladesh. Seafarers are the lifeblood of our maritime trade. They ensure uninterrupted supply of goods across the world`s oceans, ensuring economic growth and prosperity," he said.
While addressing as chief guest, the state minister came up with these remarks in a seminar titled `Navigating Seafarer Shortage - Bangladesh`s Prospect in Maritime Education and Training`.
The programme was organized by Bangladesh Marine Community, Singapore (BMCS) in Singapore, said a press release sent by Mohammed Jahangir Alam Khan, Senior Information and Public Relations Officer of the concerned ministry.
He said, "As industry stakeholders, it is our responsibility to prepare our seafarers for the challenges and opportunities ahead. The seminar will help increase employment opportunities for Bangladeshi seafarers and enhance the quality of maritime education and training."
"We have also established Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, the ninth maritime university in the world. Bangladeshi mariners holding important positions in international shipping companies and even United Nations organizations. They have gained worldwide recognition," he went on saying.
Stating that seafarers are making a significant contribution to foreign currency reserves, the state minister said, "Currently seafarers are earning about 400 million dollars a year for our economy. We aim to increase this to one billion US dollars by 2030."
"We are committed to take the country`s maritime education at the stage of world class standard in line with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s dream of building a Smart Bangladesh by 2041," Khalid expressed his hope.
Director General of the Directorate of Shipping Commodore Mohammad Maqsood Alam and Chairman of the International Maritime Employers` Council (IMEC) Captain Belal Ahmed also spoke on the occasion, among others, while President of BMCS Sanwer Dito presided over the event.
Various important issues including the possibility of maritime education and training in Bangladesh, employment of more Bangladeshi mariners in ships and growth of new workplaces were discussed in the seminar.
