Bangladesh has urged the United Kingdom to simplify and expedite visa procedures for Bangladeshi seafarers, placing the issue at the centre of talks aimed at expanding maritime cooperation and attracting greater British investment in the country’s shipping sector.
The call came during a bilateral meeting in London on Thursday between Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam and UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, according to a Ministry of Shipping press release issued on Friday.
The minister requested the UK to simplify and speed up the issuance of OK to Board (OKTB), transit and other visas required by Bangladeshi seafarers serving on international vessels, saying easier access would benefit one of Bangladesh’s important overseas workforces.
He also invited British investment in shipbuilding, marine engineering, port development, maritime transport and port-based industries, while emphasizing the potential for expanding trade, technology transfer and public-private partnerships between the two countries.
During the meeting, Shaikh Rabiul Alam conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the UK transport secretary and said the government remains committed to strengthening democracy, good governance, accountability and the rule of law.
Thanking the UK for its support during Bangladesh’s democratic transition, he expressed hope that bilateral cooperation would deepen across transport, shipping and trade.
Highlighting progress in the country’s ship recycling industry, the minister said Bangladesh is implementing the Hong Kong International Convention and that 27 of the country’s 42 ship recycling yards have already achieved international compliance, with the remaining facilities being upgraded in phases.
He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the International Maritime Organization’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally sustainable maritime transport, saying the country is working with the global community to advance green technologies despite contributing only a small share of global emissions.
The minister invited Heidi Alexander to visit Bangladesh, while both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in shipping, transport, railways, port development, trade and investment.
