State Minister for Shipping optimistic about rescuing captives from Somali pirates

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury MP voiced optimism regarding the rescue of Bangladeshi sailors held captive by Somali pirates, expressing hope for their safe return this month. Speaking during a briefing with journalists at his office in the secretariat on Tuesday afternoon, he emphasized the government‍‍`s commitment to ensuring the sailors‍‍` safe repatriation to their families.

Acknowledging the failure to secure the sailors‍‍` release before Eid, Chowdhury stated, "We had aimed to bring the sailors back home before the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, but unfortunately, we couldn‍‍`t meet that target, which posed a challenge. However, I remain hopeful that we will be able to bring them back to the country in the coming days."

Highlighting ongoing efforts to resolve the situation, Chowdhury mentioned collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Shipping, assuring that the situation remains under control. He reassured that communication with the sailors is ongoing and that steps are being taken to address the issue through appropriate channels.

Reflecting on the challenges posed by dealing with bandits, Chowdhury mentioned past instances where similar situations were successfully resolved with external assistance. He stressed the importance of maintaining communication and leveraging available resources to address such challenges effectively.

Additionally, the state minister addressed concerns about the pressure on sea travelers during Eid, affirming that while there may be increased activity, there is no significant hardship. He credited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her vision of multimodal connectivity and highlighted the transformative impact of infrastructure development projects such as the Padma Bridge.

Regarding current transportation conditions, Chowdhury acknowledged the increased activity but emphasized efforts to ensure smooth operations, acknowledging potential shortcomings in the existing infrastructure development.