MV Banglar Joyjatra, a vessel belonging to the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), has become stranded off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
After unloading its cargo at Jebel Ali port, the ship is currently unable to navigate the Strait of Hormuz due to persistent missile attacks and severe security risks.
The vessel is presently anchored near the Sharjah coast, just outside the UAE port limits. While the 31 Bangladeshi sailors on board are reportedly experiencing deep anxiety regarding the situation, BSC officials have assured that there is no immediate shortage of essentials.
The ship is equipped with approximately six months of food supplies and an adequate stock of fresh water.
Diplomatic intervention sought
In response to the crisis, Commodore Mahmudul Malek, managing director of the BSC, has formally requested diplomatic assistance to ensure the ship’s safe return.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Shipping dispatched a letter to the Foreign Secretary, signed by Assistant Secretary Md Mehedi Hasan, urging the government to treat the vessel’s safe passage as a matter of national interest.
The ministry noted that the MV Banglar Joyjatra was scheduled to depart for Kuwait on March 11 following its operations at Jebel Ali. However, the volatile security situation in the Gulf has halted its movement.
To safely traverse the war-affected waters and the Strait of Hormuz, the vessel requires necessary clearance and cooperation from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the UAE Coast Guard.
Background of the Voyage
According to BSC records, the ship entered the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on 2 February, carrying cargo from India. It later transported steel coils from Qatar, arriving at Jebel Ali port on 27 February.
The security situation deteriorated the following day when a joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran triggered widespread tension across the Middle East.
Subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran have made international shipping lanes in the region extremely hazardous, directly impacting the Bangladeshi vessel.
Status of the BSC fleet
Despite the current standoff, BSC officials indicated there are still plans to load new cargo from Qatar once safe passage is secured.
The BSC currently operates a fleet of seven ships. Officials confirmed that the MV Banglar Joyjatra is the only vessel presently situated in the conflict zone.
The remaining six ships are currently engaged in commercial operations at various ports in the USA, Pakistan, Canada, Russia, Senegal, and Liberia.
