Chairman of the Shippers Council of Bangladesh (SCB) Md Rezaul Karim expressed grave concern over the hijacking of Bangladeshi vessel MV Abdullah with 23 sailors on board by Somali pirates on March 12, says a press release.
"Ensuring safety and security of our import-export business and ships is imperative. These robberies have made the lives of our seafarers precarious and caused a major disruption in our import-export business," said Mr Karim.
"As far as we know, our slow and weak ship was targeted by the pirates. Besides, there were no armed security guards and water cannons on the ship as 'safeguards'. It appears that the pirates took advantage of the situation," he added.
The SCB Chairman demanded that the government and the ship owners concerned take immediate steps to rescue the 23 sailors and bring them back safely.
Since the bulk of Bangladesh's trade is transported through this risky route, it is very important to ensure the safety and security of ships, he said and called upon the Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant international organisations to take necessary measures in this regard.
SCB airs concern over hijacking of BD vessel
FE Team | Published: March 19, 2024 22:06:00
SCB airs concern over hijacking of BD vessel
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