Bangladesh Maritime Museum

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BANGLADESH MARINE ACADEMY

 Juldia, Chittagong, Bangladesh

In joint collaboration with Juldia Marine Academy Alumni Association

and Bangladesh Marine Academy

 

 

President’s message

 

 

 The Commandant’s message

 

Foreword

 Juldia Marine Academy Alumni Association (JMAAA) was formed in the United States in 2006 by the alumni who live in the United States and Canada. Even though the charter of the association was formed under the United States laws, the association gladly invites all Marine Academy alumni to be members as soon as they graduate out of the Academy, regardless of their country of residence. JMAAA is the association for all alumni dispersed throughout the world and Bangladesh.

Since the inception of the Academy in 1961, thousands of graduates (approximately 3,000) graduated from this great institution. All alumni have immense respect for this institution and with that in mind, the members commissioned this museum in 2010.

Man does not live by bread alone. Therefore, learning the history of their heritage is important for the citizens of a country. Therefore, it was felt that a Maritime Museum will carry the mantle of Bangladesh Maritime history and eventually become a part of the national heritage.

1971 was a crucial year for our nation. We were part of Pakistan where we formed the Eastern part. The union of Pakistan was abnormal. We were cheated by our fellow Western Pakistani citizens turned rulers. During the period while we were a part of Pakistan, lot of irregularities in the admission process into the Marine Academy took place. East Pakistani quotas for admission were manipulated and skewed to favor the West Pakistanis or their favorite minorities in East Pakistan.

The alumni who graduated before 1969-1971 have witnessed the discrimination in the admission process. After 1971, many of them defected from their positions wherever they could; from the United States to Australia. 1971 witnessed the dispersal of the Bangladeshi mariners throughout the world. Some remained stuck in West Pakistan and suffered joblessness and monetary difficulties. They were not trusted by the Pakistanis therefore, they almost lived a life in internment. Many mariners who landed abroad, sent money to their friends in Pakistan for their day to day expenses.

This part of the history cannot be forgotten even if some may liken it to defection as an economic opportunity. As one of the junior officers at that time, I must confess, our blood boiled high and the call for independence by our leaders were obeyed by everyone and we did whatever possible towards the creation of Bangladesh. WE WERE ALL FREEDOM FIGHTERS AND JUBILANTLY REJOICED AFTER OUR NATION BECAME A REALITY. A maritime museum will preserve the sacrifices of these mariners for the posterity of the nation they loved. Housing the museum within the academy complex is a befitting choice and our nation should be proud of both institutions.

Our salute to the alumni who fought the war of independence on the ground within and outside of Bangladesh and the ones who were interned in Pakistan at that time. It was the joy of shared sacrifice and none of us were looking for credits. We served our part quietly and now want to preserve that portion of the history for our children.

Our shared heritage now should be put to action. We, the successful alumni should do whatever we can to preserve this great institution for all generations to come. This should not dissolve into an economic medium devoid of the cultural values. Bangladesh Marine Academy is a prized national asset and a heritage site. We should cherish it together for the entire nation of Bangladesh.

After an arduous negotiation spanning almost a year, the Government of Bangladesh allowed usage of a site within the academy to house the first Maritime Museum of Bangladesh. It is totally funded and operated by the alumni of the academy. We should all thank the Commandant of the academy Dr. Sajid Hussain (15th batch-Engineering) whose enthusiasm and tireless work has made this agreement possible.

Ghulam M. Suhrawardi

(Sixth batch-nautical)

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PHOTOS: BANGLADESH MARITIME MUSEUM