More marine academies to be established: Khalid

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said three more marine academies will be established alongside the existing five to create skilled marine cadets, reports UNB.

Khalid said this at a meeting of the marine academies in the city on Monday.

"There are currently a total of five marine academies in the country in Barishal, Rangpur, Sylhet, Pabna and Chattogram. Among them, the marine academy in Chattogram is an old one while the rest are newly built. We'll establish three more marine academies as per the instruction of the Prime Minister," said Khalid.

The state minister added there are some challenges with the new marine academies that need to be overcome.

"Mariners earn a large amount of foreign currencies working in foreign ships. That's why we've decided to set up new marine academies which will create skilled marine cadets who will in turn help the development process of Bangladesh by supplying much-needed foreign currencies," added Khalid.

A total of 359 marine cadets from the 54th batch of Bangladesh Marine Academy have got jobs in various local and foreign ships after graduating in February. Among them, many female cadets have secured jobs in American, Australian and Singaporean ships.

The State Minister also said the four newly established marine academies have received affiliations from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University.