Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has emphasised that Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) must remain a strong and profitable organisation.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during a cheque handover ceremony at the Jamuna State Guest House, where the government received BSC dues totalling Tk 203.47 crore.
The cheque was handed over to Muhammad Yunus by Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain and BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek. The payment covers instalments under the Subsidiary Loan Agreement (SLA) and the dividend for the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
“BSC has recently become a profitable entity, and this momentum must be maintained,” Yunus said.
“Future planning should strengthen the organisation further, expand its fleet with new vessels, boost sailors’ motivation, and create new employment opportunities. Marine academies should retain qualified trainers with proper remuneration to produce world-class seafarers,” he added.
Commodore Mahmudul Malek said six new ships were acquired under a G-to-G project between the Bangladesh Government (Economic Relations Division) and China Exim Bank, following a Loan Agreement signed on 14 October 2016.
The total principal of the loan was CNY 1,199,999,070, equivalent to Tk1,457.68 crore. A Subsidiary Loan Agreement signed on 27 October 2024 ensures repayment of Tk2,425.02 crore over 13 years. The total interest during the grace period amounted to Tk475.25 crore, a cheque for which was formally handed over to the Chief Adviser on 26 November 2024.
The project enabled BSC to add six commercial vessels to its fleet in 2018–19, the first expansion in 27 years. Five of these vessels – MV Banglar Joyjatra, MV Banglar Arjan, MT Banglar Agrijatra, MT Banglar Agradoot and MT Banglar Agragati – are currently operational in international maritime trade under the national flag.
BSC posted its highest profit in its 54-year history last year, earning Tk 306.56 crore on revenues of nearly Tk 800 crore. Under the Chief Adviser’s guidance, BSC has already procured two bulk carriers with its own funding.
The first, Banglar Pragati, entered commercial service on 28 October 2025, while the second, Banglar Nobo Jatra, is scheduled for delivery on 30 January 2026.
In addition, two MR product oil tankers funded by the government and an Ultramax bulk carrier acquired privately are underway. Plans are also in motion to acquire four new large “mother vessels” from China on a G-to-G basis, alongside several other fleet expansions.
Professor Yunus stressed that maintaining a profitable BSC with an expanded fleet would enhance maritime trade, safeguard national interests, and ensure sustainable growth for the shipping sector.
