A message from F R Chowdhury first batch BMA

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20 November 2019

                    A MESSAGE

At this age of 75, as I look back to my life, I remember the Marine Academy as to how it transformed my life. It is not me alone. It gradually created a community and made its mark on national progress and prosperity. Today in our merchant marine community we also have others who have come directly or through other background such as the navy or fishing sector. All persons in the merchant navy who hold a certificate of competency recognised in Bangladesh belong to this community. There is no scope for any discrimination or division. However, all will agree that if the Marine Academy was not established in 1962, we would not have been where we are today. The merchant marine community has always worked together, hand in hand, to achieve greater glory, fame and recognition all over the world. Al-hamdulillah.

As a first batch cadet I have a humble message for the community. Please remain united under all circumstances. Together we have come so far. Together we will continue to achieve more for the country – Bangladesh. We all love our country. So, Bangladesh stands first. Our community comes second. No other personal matter can take priority over these two matters. We have an organization – Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association (BMMOA). We have duly elected office bearers to protect and uphold our interest. Please have full trust and confidence in the elected body. Be in touch with the association. Give your views and ideas to the association. Let the association move forward with what is good for the community, and country as a whole. The association is currently busy how to resolve certain most important issues:

a) Get the glory of the Academy back; 

b) Stop the payment for food by cadets, it must be all maintained by the Government to the right standard; 

c) Stop payment by guardians of cadets for their employment;  

d) Make sure that Academy trained cadets are duly employed to accomplish their career; 

e) Government should continuously assess the employment market to determine the Academy in-take; 

f) Government should review and revise its decision of establishing many more academies;  

g) Academies run in private sector must be under full control of the Director General and approval to run must be revoked if they fail to get the cadets employed; 

h) Visa problem for our seafarers must be resolved so that they can join ships abroad and get back to Bangladesh on completion of their employment; 

i) Government must consider to discuss BMMOA, Nautical Institute (Bangladesh branch) and IMAREST (Bangladesh branch) on all ports, shipping and maritime matters; 

j) Get a functional MSA (Merchant Shipping Act) to replace the obsolete MSO.

There is no harm in social gathering. However, in the process, we should be careful not to undermine the association and its remit. Let not anyone sow the seed for its break-up. We must remain united. Through this message I would like to recognize the cooperation and contributions of two ex-academy cadets – Mar Engr Rashid Kazmi and Mar Engr Mobasher. They have always been with us.

Let us remain on right path. Work together for the community and the country. Allah will help us.

Your community brother F R Chowdhury from First batch.

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