Alaul Hossain:
The Passing Out Parade of the 4th Batch of cadets of Bangladesh Marine Academy, Pabna, located at Nagarbari in Bera upazila, has been successfully completed. The parade was held on Sunday (7 December) morning at the academy grounds.
Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury, NDC, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, attended the ceremony as the chief guest and received the salute from the cadets. The event was presided over by Captain Md. Toufiqul Islam, Commandant of Bangladesh Marine Academy, Pabna. Senior officials from the Ministry of Shipping, senior officials from Bangladesh Maritime University, the Director General of the Department of Shipping, the Managing Director of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, along with other military and civilian officials, guardians, and local dignitaries were present.
In her speech, the chief guest said, “We know that a marine officer earns an amount of foreign currency equivalent to that earned by nearly 50 unskilled workers. Therefore, we are constantly striving to further popularize the maritime profession and modernize the training system. After assuming my responsibilities as Secretary, I have familiarized myself with the challenges and prospects of the institutions under this ministry. I am firmly committed to taking proper measures to develop this sector. Due to the growing global demand for skilled maritime professionals, our five marine academies are playing a significant role. Bangladeshi mariners are serving on vessels across various countries, earning substantial foreign currency that contributes directly to the country’s economic progress.”
The event commenced with an impressive parade performed by the cadets. Following the parade, the chief guest distributed awards among the cadets. This year, a total of 65 cadets completed their pre-sea training—33 from the Nautical Department and 32 from the Marine Engineering Department. In recognition of their achievements, the chief guest awarded medals to the outstanding performers.
Senior Cadet Captain Sudipta Chakraborty from the Nautical Department received the Commandant’s Gold Medal for securing the highest overall marks. Cadet Captain Md. Yusuf Hossain Rafid from the Nautical Department and Cadet Captain Jisan Abedin from the Marine Engineering Department were awarded the Commandant’s Silver Medal. Additionally, Cadet Captain Taiyab Ibne Nur Dinar from the Nautical Department and Senior Cadet Captain Md. Naimul Islam from the Engineering Department received awards from Bangladesh Shipping Corporation for securing the highest marks in professional subjects.
Cadet Captain Tanimul Hasan was recognized for excellence in sports, while Cadet Captain Shahriar Hossain received an award for demonstrating outstanding officer-like qualities.