BIWTC honours two master officers on Seafarers’ Day
Seafarers were honoured at a gathering at the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation conference room on Thursday (25 June) to mark World Seafarers' Day.
The event, featuring a discussion titled "World Trade: Bearing its Risks" and the BIWTC Award for Outstanding Bravery 2026, was organised by the Bangladesh Inland Master Officers Association and the Marine Division of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation.
Captain Muhammad Hasemur Rahman Chowdhury, Director (Technical) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation, chaired the programme.
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Md Rabiul Alam, Director (Administration) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation, attended as the chief guest. Sheikh Mu Nasim, Director (Finance) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation, was present as special guest.
Other speakers included Bappi Kumar Adhikari, General Manager (Marine) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation; Mansura Ahmed, Chief Purchase Manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation; Md Fazle Rabbi, Chief Personnel Manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation; Mohammad Nazrul Islam Misha, Public Relations Officer of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation; Alauddin, General Secretary of the BIWTC Employees Union; Rafiqul Islam, Vice-President of the Inland Master Association; and Master Officer Alamgir Kabir.
Master Officer Md Rezaul Karim conducted the programme, and Abdullah Al Mamun, Marine Manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation, recited from the Holy Quran.
The BIWTC Award for Outstanding Bravery 2026 was awarded to Mosahidul Islam, Master Officer of ferry Begum Rokeya on the Bhola-Lakshmipur route, and Al Amin Sarkar, Master Officer of Ro-Ro ferry Enayetpuri on the Paturia-Daulatdia route, in recognition of their contributions as seafarers.
Speakers said World Seafarers' Day, observed by the International Maritime Organisation, honours the contributions and sacrifices of seafarers on sea and inland waterways, and recognises their pivotal role and rights in global trade.
They noted that around 90 percent of global trade is transported by sea, with seafarers playing a central role in maintaining the global supply chain.
According to speakers, more than 1.5 million seafarers work worldwide, with a similar number employed on Bangladesh's inland waterways, including approximately 1,500 at Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation.
Speakers said seafarers operate cargo vessels, oil tankers, ferries, passenger ships, and other vessels, often taking on challenging and risky responsibilities.
They called for greater public awareness of seafarers' hard work, extended periods away from families, occupational risks, and the importance of protecting their rights.
