Bangladeshi Ship Faces Bombing Fears at Sea

The crew of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra, currently stationed at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates, have been living under the constant threat of explosions and aerial attacks. Speaking to Prothom Alo via WhatsApp, the ship’s master, Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, described the tense conditions on board.

“On the very first day, last Saturday, an oil depot exploded extremely close to our ship. In panic, we all rushed to the vessel’s safe room. Since then, we have heard explosions almost daily in the distance. Drones and missiles are wreaking havoc in the skies above. Our days pass in a constant state of alarm and caution,” Khan recounted.

The MV Banglar Joyjatra, carrying 31 Bangladeshi seafarers, arrived at Jebel Ali port on Saturday, the day before joint attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. In the immediate aftermath, cargo operations were temporarily suspended, but they resumed on Monday under heightened security protocols.

Khan added, “We even witnessed an attack targeting the US consulate in Dubai. Explosions occurred just 20–30 kilometres from our position. Initially, fear was overwhelming, but we are gradually adjusting to the situation, as the sound of blasts has become almost routine.” He stressed that all crew members remain vigilant, with contingency plans in place to respond to any attacks or nearby explosions.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has further heightened concerns. Khan explained, “Even after cargo operations are completed, leaving the Persian Gulf may not be immediately possible. There are now a large number of ships at Jebel Ali, and our next destination is still uncertain.”

Since the first day of the explosions, regular communication has been maintained with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Bangladesh Embassy in the UAE, the Ministry of Shipping, and the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation. Khan noted that the managing director, Commodore Mahmudul Malek, checks in multiple times a day to ensure morale is maintained amid the crisis.

Khan’s family, based in Comilla, includes his mother, wife, and children. “It is natural for them to worry, so I keep in constant contact to reassure them. Other crew members also maintain communication with their families,” he said.

This is not the first time Bangladeshi sailors have faced wartime danger. On 2 March 2022, the ship Banglar Samriddhi came under a Russian missile attack at Olvia Port, Ukraine, during the Russia–Ukraine conflict. The ship’s engineer, Hadisur Rahman, was killed, and 28 Bangladeshi sailors were later rescued.

To bolster crew morale, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation has implemented several measures. Daily food allowances have been increased from 7 to 12 US dollars, alongside other support and welfare initiatives.

The table below summarises key events related to the MV Banglar Joyjatra: