Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association

09/06/2026

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08/06/2026

World Oceans Day 2026: REIMAGINE Our Relationship with the Ocean

On this World Oceans Day, the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers' Association (BMMOA) extends its proud greetings to our brave seafarers, maritime professionals, and global ocean advocates.

This year’s powerful theme, “REIMAGINE: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean”, challenges us to look past traditional maritime boundaries. For generations, the ocean has been treated primarily as a highway for commerce or an infinite source of resources. Today, we are called to shift our perspective entirely.

As Bangladeshi merchant marine officers who spend months at sea, we see firsthand both the majesty and the vulnerability of the marine world. It is time to reimagine how we coexist with it.

The ocean is a living, breathing ecosystem that sustains all life on Earth. To secure the future of global trade and seafaring, we must move beyond the exploitative habits of the past. We must reimagine the ocean not as a resource to be exhausted, but as a partner to be protected.

Happy World Oceans Day 2026.

03/06/2026

Successful Egypt Visa Case Study

We are pleased to share that one of our members successfully joined the vessel at Suez today by obtaining a proper visa in advance directly from the Embassy of Egypt, Dhaka.

Since on-arrival visas are no longer being issued, here is the essential information and list of documents required for the Visa application, based on this successful transit:

Processing Time: While this specific urgent case was processed rapidly by the Embassy, our official recommendation is to apply at least 7 working days in advance. Shorter processing times are strictly at the discretion of the Embassy for exceptional cases.

Visa Conditions: The issued visa is typically a Single Entry visa valid for 48 hours (3 days validity), mainly depends on the joining schedule as mentioned in the agent's letter.

* Processing Time: While this specific urgent case was processed rapidly by the Embassy, our official recommendation is to apply at least 7 working days in advance. Shorter processing times are strictly at the discretion of the Embassy for exceptional cases.

* Visa Conditions: The issued visa is typically a Single Entry visa valid for 48 hours (3 days validity), mainly depends on the joining schedule as mentioned in the agent's letter.

* Transit Experience: Please note that upon arriving in Cairo with a single entry visa, the seafarer experienced minor immigration delays. Authorities took more than one hour to perform routine background verification, security clearance and grant formal entry clearance.

Required Documents List

Ensure you have the following documents prepared before applying:

1. Visa application form
2. Invitation letter for visa from company/ Egypt agent.
3. Forwarding letter from local agent to issue visa.
4. Passport colour copy
5. CDC colour copy
6. NID
7. Bank statement last six months
8. Air Ticket
9. BMMOA LOI
10. Visa fee 8,500 tk

31/05/2026

Urgent Notice: Chittagong Port Authority

Assalamualikum Dear All,

Please be informed that Bangladesh Air Force will conduct Air-to-Air Live Firing Exercise from 02 June 2026 to 11 June 2026 daily between 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs at Bay of Bengal areas under VGD-2 (Kutubdia, OPL) and VGD-43 (Cox's Bazar, OPL).

VGD-2 Area Coordinates:

1. N-21°51'00" E-91°23'00"
2. N-21°51'00" E-91°40'00"
3. N-21°25'00" E-91°40'00"
4. N-21°25'00" E-91°23'00"

VGD-43 Area Coordinates:

1. N-21°40'00" E-91°40'00"
2. N-21°03'00" E-91°40'00"
3. N-21°06'00" E-91°30'56"
4. N-21°10'58" E-91°18'55"
5. N-21°18'05" E-91°10'05"
6. N-21°30'00" E-91°02'58"
7. N-21°40'00" E-91°00'00"

All concerned vessels are requested to maintain close navigational watch and take necessary action to avoid this area during the specified time and schedule to avoid any untoward situation during the exercise period.

Please inform your all inbound and outbound Ships accordingly.

Kind regards
Office of Harbour Master/CPA
Md. Ferdoush Ur Rahman Chowdhury
Senior VTS Operator
Vessel Traffic Service / Port Control (VTMIS)
Chittagong Port Authority
Mobile: 01775670302

27/05/2026

18/05/2026

BMMOA Celebrates International Day for Women in Maritime 2026

Dear Mariners

Assalamualikum & Good Day

The Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers' Association (BMMOA) today joined the global maritime community to celebrate the International Day for Women in Maritime 2026, reaffirming its commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting the next generation of female seafarers.

To mark the occasion, BMMOA participated in two separate landmark celebration events organized independently by the country’s premier maritime institutions: the Marine Fisheries Academy (MFA) and the Bangladesh Marine Academy, Chattogram (BMA-Chattogram). As part of its solidarity and support for both programs, BMMOA proudly sponsored the celebratory cakes and snacks.

MFA Organizes Specialized Seminar and Cake-Cutting Celebration

The day’s celebrations commenced at 10:00 AM at the Marine Fisheries Academy (MFA), which fully organized a specialized seminar and a festive cake-cutting ceremony on its campus.

BMMOA General Secretary Md. Shakawat Hossain delivered an inspiring speech and presented a crucial keynote titled “Navigating Your Rights: A Roadmap to a Safe & Secure Career.” To equip the next generation of maritime leaders, the presentation covered: Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, Seafarers’ Employment Agreements (SEA), Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), The core benefits of joining a professional union.

The morning event saw enthusiastic participation from MFA instructors, officials, and the entire body of senior and junior lady cadets, alongside their male counterparts.

BMA-Chattogram Celebrates Occasion with Cake-Cutting

Later in the afternoon at 3:00 PM, the celebrations continued at BMA-Chattogram, with a comprehensive program fully organized by the academy. The highlights of the afternoon event included a celebration program and a festive cake-cutting ceremony.
The event was presided over by the respected Commandant of BMA-Chattogram, Captain Kazi ABM Shameem, and attended by BMMOA representatives. Tanjima Mostafa, Director of Meghna Group of Industries (MGI) one of Bangladesh's largest and leading conglomerates graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The gathering brought together academy instructors, officials, honors class cadets, and senior and junior lady and gentlemen cadets from the current batches, all uniting to recognize the vital role of women in the maritime sector.

In addition to the celebrations, BMMOA has demonstrated its practical commitment to gender equality by responding to a direct approach from three lady cadets who recently completed their institutional training (from MFA) and sought assistance for their practical training phase. In response, BMMOA successfully arranged a specialized six-month internship for them at a local power plant, providing them with essential technical experience and professional development.

To ensure the smooth completion of this critical milestone, the association has also provided these three lady cadets with dedicated scholarships. BMMOA expressed its unwavering commitment to their future, ensuring that the association's doors remain always open to provide further support, cooperation, and mentorship as they navigate their professional journeys.

About the Day

Adopted by the IMO Assembly in 2021 and first observed in 2022, the International Day for Women in Maritime is celebrated globally every year on May 18.

This year’s theme, "From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence," focuses on driving the recruitment, retention, and sustained employment of women in shipping. BMMOA remains resolutely committed to elevating the profile of women at sea, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and bridging the industry's gender gap.

Thanks

Capt. Md. Anam Chowdhury
President
Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association.

&

Mar. Engr. Md. Shakawat Hossain
General Secretary
Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association.

18/05/2026

জাহাজে উঠার আগে সাবধানতা জরুরি

একটি ভুল সিদ্ধান্ত আপনার পুরো ক্যারিয়ার ঝুঁকিতে ফেলতে পারে। যেকোনো জাহাজে চুক্তিবদ্ধ হওয়ার বা সাইন-অন (Sign-on) করার আগে অবশ্যই নিশ্চিত হয়ে নিন জাহাজটি কোনো আন্তর্জাতিক বা স্থানীয় নিষেধাজ্ঞার (Sanction) তালিকায় আছে কিনা।

https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/ এই ওয়েবসাইটে ভিজিট করে জাহাজের বর্তমান স্ট্যাটাস চেক করুন।

09/05/2026

সম্মানিত মেরিনারবৃন্দ,

আসসালামু আলাইকুম।

নাবিকদের অধিকার সুরক্ষা এবং কর্মক্ষেত্রে নিরাপত্তা নিশ্চিতকরণে BMMOA সর্বদা প্রতিশ্রুতিবদ্ধ। বিশেষ করে যেখানে নাবিকদের চুক্তির মেয়াদের অতিরিক্ত সময় জাহাজে আটকে থাকা অথবা ভিসা প্রত্যাখ্যানের মতো প্রশাসনিক জটিলতা তৈরি হয়েছে, সেখানে BMMOA অত্যন্ত কার্যকর ভূমিকা পালন করে আসছে। এমনকি সামুদ্রিক দুর্যোগ এবং যুদ্ধকালীন প্রতিকূল পরিস্থিতিতেও আমরা জীবন রক্ষাকারী অগ্রণী ভূমিকা পালন করেছি।

আমাদের এই সকল কার্যক্রম এবং নাবিকদের স্বার্থ রক্ষায় নেওয়া পদক্ষেপগুলোই এই ভিডিওতে তুলে ধরা হয়েছে। আমাদের প্রত্যাশা কর্মক্ষেত্রে আমাদের প্রত্যেক সহকর্মী সবসময় নিরাপদ থাকুক এবং কাউকে যেন কোনো অনাকাঙ্ক্ষিত পরিস্থিতির শিকার হতে না হয়। আপনাদের সমুদ্রযাত্রা মসৃণ ও নিরাপদ হোক।

02/05/2026

Clarification on BMMOA Election and Circulating Misinformation

Dear All
Assalamualikum & Good Day

In recent discussions surrounding the BMMOA election, a narrative has emerged where a group of individuals are placing blame on the present GS and President. While BMMOA’s official page has provided explanations from time to time, not everyone has followed those updates, allowing misinformation to spread within certain circles.

As an organization, we have always maintained a responsible and professional approach. We do not engage in reactive arguments or informal debates in group discussions. Instead, all queries and clarifications are formally addressed and published through official channels to ensure transparency and accountability.

However, it is unfortunate that not all members—particularly some senior members—consistently follow these official communications. Taking advantage of this gap, certain individuals, including some businesspersons operating from abroad, have attempted to spread confusion and misinformation. We have repeatedly cautioned against such actions and urge everyone to rely only on verified, official statements rather than unverified claims circulating in informal groups.

The factual background is as follows:
1. The 1st Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) was called on 21st December 2024 and held on 28th December 2024, following two years of the current committee’s tenure. During this EGM, the Election Commission was selected and formed accordingly.

2. Subsequently, due to concerns raised by some members—particularly regarding the extension of the membership deadline and related matters—the selected Election Commission requested another EGM. Accordingly, the 2nd EGM was called on 16th January 2025 and held on 3rd February 2025.

At this meeting, attending members proposed a reconstitution of the Election Commission. A new commission was formed under the leadership of Mar. Engr. Mohd. Mehrul Karim (Membership No. 10057), along with four other respected members.

3. At the same EGM, the Chief Election Commissioner clearly stated that the commission would review the voter list and investigate any irregularities, including suspicious membership entries and payments from common sources. He also assured that any questionable voters would be scrutinized and, if necessary, cancelled.

4. After taking charge, the Election Commission published a draft voter list and provided a window for appeals. During this period, multiple emails were sent to the Chief Election Commissioner highlighting concerns regarding alleged membership manipulation. However, no visible action was taken.

Additionally, BMMOA officially informed the Election Commission that approximately 300 memberships appeared to have been processed using only 15–16 contact numbers, raising serious concerns. Despite this, no investigation or corrective measure was undertaken.

5. Further concerns arose when the final voter list was published. One of the commissioners signed the list with a written remark stating: “signed without accepting 286 members marked as page 53–74.” Despite such a clear note of dispute, the Election Commission proceeded with the election process without addressing these unresolved issues.

Due to the lack of response from the Election Commission, dissatisfaction grew among members, and one member filed a writ petition seeking judicial intervention. Following this, the Election Commission reportedly took funds from BMMOA to contest the case; however, to date, no clear update on the progress of the case has been communicated.

It is important to note that the core issues raised in the writ petition were never clearly addressed or justified—whether valid or not. Despite this, a specific group continues to place blame on BMMOA leadership, without acknowledging that the Election Commission had both the authority and the opportunity to investigate these matters and prevent such a situation. Had timely and appropriate actions been taken, the matter might not have escalated to the court.
In conclusion, it would have been appropriate for the Election Commission’s legal representatives to actively pursue an early hearing in the court. Assigning blame without addressing the root causes only contributes to further confusion and misinformation.

Thanks

Capt. Md. Anam Chowdhury
President
Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association

&

Mar. Engr. Md. Shakawat Hossain
General Secretary
Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association