Bangladeshi mariners are reportedly finding it more difficult to find jobs aboard international shipping vessels.
A shrinking number of local vessels in recent years has led to a number of instances of counterfeit certificates being used by mariners seeking work on foreign vessels.
This has led to the International Maritime Organisation withdrawing visa waiver permit facilities from Bangladeshis, creating delays, which make it harder for Bangladeshi mariners to compete for international jobs.
It is right that action is taken to root out fraud, and we hope the government and naval training academies can promptly work together to rectify the situation.
However, we should also be looking to improve opportunities for trained mariners locally.
Lack of forward investment by Bangladeshi boat owners and shipping companies means that more vessels are being taken out of service than are being replaced. There is no economic justification for this, as there is growing demand for modern vessels both for global trade and to ferry goods and people among our many navigable rivers and waterways.
The failure by successive governments to enforce maintenance and safety regulations is a major factor behind the high number of deaths we see in avoidable ferry accidents. If higher standards are enforced, there would be greater incentive for investment in new vessels.
In turn, this would create new jobs to support some mariners. It would also help boost our national shipbuilding industry.
The synergies offered by investing in new vessels and shipbuilding will pay multiple dividends by creating jobs, facilitating trade, and improving safety.
