Bangladeshi 3/E was denied entry to Malaysia as the ship was not berthed

Once again; we are hearing the hurdles our officers and crews are going through in signing on/off from vessels in many countries on account denial of visas.

Looks like fast development of Bangladesh did not trickle down to the ordinary people. We created a lot of rich people and fat politicians who are too busy filling their pockets and trying to run again for the parliament. Our Shipping Minister should have resigned a long time ago as he is incapable to taking care of the ordinary sailors who are facing degrading situations in foreign countries. We should demand to the government to appoint people who can do the job at the top and not just having people for political expediency.

Here is letter from Capt. Md. Nuruzzaman Sikdar/ 35N that tells about one incident. One incident too many.

Sent: Saturday, December 1, 2018 2:28 AM
To: bdmariners@googlegroups.com
Cc: gen.secretary@bmmoa.org
Subject: [BDMariners] AN ALARMING SITUATION: PORT KLANG, MALAYSIA SIGN ON FOR BANGLADESH SEAFARERS

Dear All,

GOOD DAY!

In my ship (BSM manage vessel) one of my on signing Bangladeshi 3/E was denied entry to Malaysia as the ship was not berthed. But ship was at the Pork Klang anchorage. LG from agent was not granted until the ship alongside berth. In the same time  other nationality crew from other country were released from Malaysian immigration at the airport and they were staying at the hotel.

As Master it was quite new experience for me. Myself also sign on at Port Klang, Malaysia previously without any issue. Called manning department at BSM Singapore office and they were also not aware of this kind of situation. Talked with agent in Port Klang, they advise they have nothing to do as this is a govt policy.

The 3/E had to stay one full day and night at the Kualalampur Airport  until ship alongside.

Later I asked agent what went wrong. What he told also came with surprise. There were human trafficking in the name of seaman sign on. There were some incident before.  In one  case, one full ship crew change 23 persons suppose to be change in one ship with all Bangladeshi crew. Agency was Benline in port klang. The agency from Bangladesh was seems to be genuine as they did sign on/off before. One full bus was reserved for crew transfer. Agent told them to sit in the bus and went to clear some more formalities. After he come back all the sign on crew were gone. Due to LG (letter of Guarantee) agent had to paid fine 5000RM(1250usd) for each person. It was reported officially to Bangladesh authority but there was no evidence of action taken. And this is confirm they were not seaman at all.

When I joined ship there was some verification of authentication at Bangladesh airport immigration which made me happy. It means that the particular incident can only be done involving official authority only.

This is an alarming situation for Bangladeshi seaman. In Singapore, after so many attempt situation still remain same. Bangladesh seaman still needs visa for sign on/off (right now my ship is in Singapore) and no shore leave without visa.

Incident in Malaysia is a sign of upcoming  restriction. Now it is only for Port Klang port. Later on it may increase to other port of Malaysia as well.

Now question what should we do????

1. Our mariners association for Officers and crew must protest and inform Bangladesh proper authority including DOS regarding this matter for full investigation and to cover the loophole.
2. Association needs interaction with authority for strict control so that human trafficking to stop in the name of seaman.

Rgds

Capt. Md. Nuruzzaman Sikdar/ 35N
BMMOA: 12347