The MV Banglar Joyjatra, a vessel of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation currently docked at Jebel Ali port in the United Arab Emirates, has been navigating through days of heightened tension amid nearby military strikes. The ship’s master, Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, described the harrowing experience in an interview with our representative via WhatsApp on Wednesday.
“On the first day, last Saturday, a bomb exploded very close to our vessel at an oil depot. In panic, everyone rushed to the ship’s safe rooms. Since then, we have been hearing explosions almost daily in the distance. The sky is filled with drone and missile activity. Our days are spent under a constant mix of fear and vigilance,” he said.
The Banglar Joyjatra arrived at Jebel Ali port just a day before the joint strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. Onboard are 31 Bangladeshi seafarers. Following the onset of hostilities, cargo unloading was temporarily suspended but resumed on Monday.
Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan added, “We witnessed the attack on the US consulate in Dubai. Explosions occurred just 20–30 kilometres from our ship. Initially, fear was intense, but we are gradually adapting to the situation, as the sounds of blasts have become almost routine. All crew members remain on high alert, and we have detailed contingency plans in place in case of an attack or nearby explosions.”
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has added further uncertainty. “Even if unloading is complete, there may be delays exiting the Persian Gulf. Jebel Ali currently hosts a large number of vessels, and our next destination remains uncertain,” Khan noted.
Since the first explosion, the Bangladesh government, the Bangladeshi Embassy in the UAE, the Ministry of Shipping, and the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation have maintained regular communication with the crew, providing guidance for emergency scenarios. Commodore Mahmudul Malek, Managing Director of BSC, contacts the ship multiple times daily to ensure morale and operational readiness.
Khan, a resident of Chandpur whose family lives in Comilla, highlighted the importance of reassuring relatives. “It is natural for family members to worry. We maintain constant communication to keep them calm. Other seafarers on board also stay in touch with their families.”
This is not the first time Bangladeshi sailors have faced missile attacks. On 2 March 2022, during the Russia–Ukraine war, the MV Banglar Samriddhi came under a Russian missile strike at Olvia port, Ukraine. The ship’s engineer, Hadisur Rahman, was killed, and 28 seafarers were later rescued.
The Bangladesh Shipping Corporation has taken measures to boost morale, including increasing daily meal allowances from $7 to $12 and providing ongoing support to the crew amid heightened tensions.
Banglar Joyjatra: Current Situation Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jebel Ali Port, UAE |
| Crew Members | 31 Bangladeshi seafarers |
| Distance to Explosions | 20–30 km from the ship |
| Safety Measures | Safe rooms, emergency contingency plans, high alert |
| Cargo Status | Temporary suspension, resumed Monday |
| Support from BSC | Regular communication, increased meal allowance, morale support |
Despite the looming threat, the crew of Banglar Joyjatra continues to maintain discipline, vigilance, and resilience under extraordinary circumstances.