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Message from FR Chowdhury Oct 28, 2013
Ex-Cadets of Marine Academy
Dear all,
I have seen lot of messages being exchanged on this issue. I found some common points there. In general there are a few common points. Most people agree that an alumni or association should be there with its head office in Bangladesh. Most people also agree that there should be one single institution with branches and chapters elsewhere. There is some difference with regard to the name of the association. Almost everybody recognized with great appreciation what a nice work has been done by US-based JMAA when there was still nothing in Bangladesh. Nobody is of the opinion to ignore their services and to brush aside them as if they never existed. Everybody is of the opinion to create one big umbrella organization in Bangladesh; invite and bring all other similar organizations under the umbrella with full due respect and recognition to them all. Nobody wants to see divisions on this issue. I liked most of the comments expressed by Mr. Khairul Anam and this could form the basis for all discussion.
At this moment I remember one individual who had done lot of pioneering work in this field. He did it all by himself and never used name of any union or association. He is SM Abdullah. If I remember correct he created a website “bangladeshmariners” or something like that and maintained a record of all Bangladeshi marine officers. The website also contained important community and professional news. Finally he could not continue with it and abandoned it. I pay my personal thanks and gratitude to him. Though it was more broad based yet, we can call it a forerunner of all subsequent attempts.
With regard to JMAA, it has given us more than 7 years of service and is still continuing. I cannot remember all names. I remember for quite some time Sultan Ahmed Taufiq (2nd batch) looked after it and now Suhrawardi is continuing to provide necessary service. He has personally donated some books to the Academy. They have set up a maritime museum in the Academy. I understand they also provide some scholarships. Excellent work done by them.
As I said before, the Commandant of the Academy is in the centre point. He can resolve the matter with necessary discussion with all parties concerned. With traditional merchant marine gesture of respect and unity he can come to a decision with regard to the name of the organization. We must not forget the good work done by others and that is why I recommend that the preamble to the constitution should record –
Where as the Ex-Cadets of the Bangladesh Marine Academy feel the need for ……………………….
Recognizing the pioneering efforts of Mr. Abdullah in creating and maintaining for many years a website…………
Also recognizing the good work done by JMAA………………..
Now it is decided to create one central organization in Bangladesh under the title…………………
Best wishes to all.
Fazlur
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Happy New Year
Dear Forkan Bhai
Sincere thanks to you and Fazlur Rahman sir too for the constructive feedback for maintaining a single formal association involving the alumni from Marine Academy at Juldia, Chittagong, which in my opinion are worth considering. An alumni association is an association of graduates or, more broadly, of former students and such an association has been JMAAA formed more than 7 years ago by leading mariners living in North America. This required its members to be an alumnus of our Marine Academy to enjoy membership and privileges.
Alumni associations are often organised into branches by city, region or country – so once we are able to decide on the formal name of our association based at Chittagong, we should then be in a position to form its branches and chapters. Name seems to be the big issue at the moment among many of us so we need to sort this out first in a realistic manner.
If alumni from Faujdarhat Cadet College could be called Faujians, I see no reasons why we could not be called Juldians for having gained our identity from Juldia for over half a century now. Perhaps this is why the naming of our existing association was done as JMAAA, which no doubt has done some good works. I suggest we take a pragmatic view on this and consider favourably the matter of continuation of our alumni association under the umbrella of JMAAA, through a democratic process of course. These are only food for thoughts.
There should be no doubts in anyone’s mind about the significant contributions made by Captain SM Abdullah towards the mariners community of Bangladesh through running of his website “bangladesmariners.com” with the help of Late Shahidul Alam (17th batch). This has been formally recognised by its users and Bangaldeshi mariners from the UK on a number of occasions although some of the fellow mariners did send him abusive and hate mails. I did convey my appreciation to him personally when I visited him in the USA, probably more than two years ago.
Let us consider all the options on the naming and performing of our alumni association and find a way forward for the benefit of all concerned.
Best regards
Khairul Anam
Dear all,
I agree with Forkan and Khairul Anam.
By now there has been quite a few marine academies in Bangladesh. There will be a few more in future both in private and public sector. Our horizon has broadened far beyond Bangladesh.
But we will remain Juldians.
Fazlur
Dear all
Over the span of the last two weeks – through electronic correspondence and multicast teleconferences – it has become apparent that the rift between the NY-based JMAAA and the Dhaka-based ABMA, has solidified. Yet the signs of any form of reconciliation remain elusive. If we continue on this path, I believe the likelihood of Juldians unsubscribing from both organisations will be a reality.
To mitigate this situation, before any further escalation, my recommendation is that an Arbitration Committee is formed, comprising of the 1st Batch Juldians. Member of this committee can be: Capt Zakaria, Capt Jalil, Capt F.R. Chowdhury, Capt Belait. Hussain, Engr Salauddin, Engr Khondokar, etc. Their seniority and their ability to leverage their extensive experiences in providing guidance when incongruence arises amongst mariners needs no further elaboration. I believe that there is no other group of people that can be completely objective and unbiased to mediate resolutions for the path forward.
I sincerely request the incumbent Commandant to step-up in a proactive manner to undertake the requisites. The Commandant is in a neutral position and he can facilitate the build-up of this Arbitration Committee (i.e. bring together the necessary people and resources).
In the interim, I request all to abstain from partisan correspondences that will only widen the gap, and add further difficulty in reaching the reconciliation point.
Kind regards
Dilwar Ali(6th batch, Engr)
Melbourne
On Wednesday, November 6, 2013 4:14 PM, FR CHOWDHURY wrote:
I am sorry. I decline to participate in any such arbitration. Regards.
Fazlur
Eta ekta valo uddog.
Capt.M.Habibur Rahman (10 Batch)
Dear Fazlur
I trust you are the second batch at FCC.
I, Fazlul Huq Chowdhury, and you, Fazlur Rahman Chowdhury were paired in some academic activities at our Intermediate in Science course at the Cadet College in 1959-61.
Please can you contact me on my mobile 07734 835535, as I wish to catch up with you.
Fazlul Huq Chowdhury
London
Dear all,
It is a good initiative to bring back the fragmented organization under one umbrella. We got to have only one such organization. I support the move. I wish every success to this noble initiative. However, I would not like to involve myself in any arbitration or negotiation. Regards.
Fazlur
Dear All
I would support the proposal for such an arbitration to keep the alumni of Marine Academy, Chittagong as a single entity with its main base in Chittagong.
I agree with the arbiters as proposed but Capt F Chowdhury has already declined to be on the panel and I think Khandakar bhai now lives in the USA – I suggest adding Malek Bhai and Badiuzzaman Bhai to replace them. We could also consider having Ferdous Alam Bhai on the the panel.
Best regards
Khairul Anam
Yes, agree with Mr. Khairul Anam. It can be better done by those in Bangladesh.
Fazlu
As salamu Alaikum All,
I appreciate and fully support Dilwar Ali Bhai’s initiative and follow up comments by Khairul Anam Bhai and Abid. While nobody is obliged to join such an Arbitration Panel, I would like to see all 1st batch cadets are approached for their willingness and availability with the hope that we will get enough to form the Panel. I echo Abid’s sentiment that somebody in Bangladesh should take the initiative. If Quamrul Bhai and Shaifiq Bhai are not willing, we may have to find somebody else. Current Commandant of the Marine Academy is in the best position to arrange this.
I personally feel a lot of pain to see our community at the brink of such a division. After all this ‘fellow cadet’ feeling is what brings us so close to each other even when we don’t know everybody personally. We take pride in any ex-Marine Academy cadet’s achievement. To lose the single entity will may well be a ‘damage beyond repair’.
Warmest regards.
Qamruzzaman (11th)
I fully agree with Dilwar Ali Bhai.
Kindly request Capt. Shafiq Bhuiya and Quamrul Hossain to take some
initiative to arrange a panel of arbitrators to resolve this issue.
The decision of the arbitrators will be final and both ABMA and JMAAA
are to abide by their decision.
Regards,
Abid Choudhury (11th Batch)
Tel: +1 (416) 846-2830
Dilwar/all
Thank you for your good suggestions, thoughts and good works.
At this stage I personally feel (strongly) that we should try &
explose all avenues to resolve issues and get a commitment from ABMA
for a unified integration under JMAA. Quamrul & Shafiq Bhuiyan can thus
play a crucial role in communicating and having a constructive dialogue
with Chowdhury Fakhruzzaman (2nd Batch) bhai. I am sue he will be
willing to listen and see the common approach from JMAA.It may not be
fruitful to step far at this stage and go to the fall back of
Arbitration.
I will leave this to Abid, Suhrawardi and continental focal points like
Khairul & others to suggest a way forward that would not create a
situation worse that what we are in.
Best regards.
Forkanul Quader
Dear respected seniors,
Dear affectionate younger brothers,
Salam.
The recent e-mail correspondences on the referred subject has made me very upset and perturbed. We all belong to the same fraternity which we proudly call The Mariners. So to see a rift within is very painful. The most important thing is to bring back harmony and unity. Enough has been said so far and I now request you all to kindly pause for a little while.
Few days back, I have been approached by Capt. Shafiq and Capt. Kamrul by virtue of my being in an advisory capacity. I had detailed discussions with both of them and I felt the need to get involved also. After my discussions with them, I have spoken in details with Capt. Malek and I have requested him to arrange a meeting of the ABMA advisors and board at the earliest opportunity where Capt. Shafiq and Capt. Kamrul must participate along with other JMAA members who wish to be present. He has assured me to organize such a meeting soonest.
I am very hopeful that an amicable solution will come out of this proposed meeting and we will all be very happy afterwards. Please pray that we can reach a pragmatic consensus. In the meantime, keep well.
I remain, with warmest regards,
C. F. Zaman
(Choudhury Fakhruz Zaman 2nd Batch)
Thank you, Zaman Bhai.
Your suggestion is appreciated. I do not see any reason for not being able to accommodate all the people who really want to do something for the community, unless someone has other motives besides the welfare of the community.
I am really surprised to note that our community being one of the highest professional earners of the country, we have not been able to do anything worthwhile for the country which has given us the opportunity to be where we are. I sincerely believe that if we could pull our resources together, we could be a formidable force in shaping the future of our community.
I have diligently followed the articles written by Fazlu Bhai and think it is about time that we got together to make our voices be heard by the authorities to uphold the standard of our services to the Shipping Industry and the country as a whole.
Looking forward towards your next step.
Shafiq Bhuiyan ( 8th )
On Saturday, November 9, 2013 7:03 PM, Captain M.A.Malek wrote:
Flwg received from capt Saydur Rahman .
On Thursday, November 7, 2013 2:08 PM, saydur rahman wrote:
Quote=
Dear Capt. Malek,
I believe there are no objections from any corners / individuals re formation of ex cadet association or an Alumni, but issues aroused with Title whether it should be JMAAA or ABMA.
You must be aware that in few meetings we have discussed this issue & came to conclusion that the name Juldia does not go with the Marine Academy as it was the name of a Post Office where this academy is situated. In early days post office played an important part to identify the place / structure etc.
Few examples are : Dhaka University is under Ramna post office, we do not call it a Ramna University, neither there is a different name of BUET tough it is under Palashi post office.
It is certain that the official name of our Academy was, from starting till liberation ( 1971 ) – Mercantile Marine Academy, after liberation – Marine Academy & recently changed to – Bangladesh Marine Academy.
Attaching a copy of certificate issued in 1968.
Hope above clarifies the ambiguities.
You may circulate / share this writing with other concern parties ( if require ).
Thanks & best regards
Capt. Sayed ( 14th )
=Unquote
Rgds.
Capt Malek.
I agree with Capt.Sayed. But sometimes I feel It would be better if alumni could be named as ABMAJ.”J”stands for Juludia. My suggestion is just to make something in between JMAAA & ABMA.
Thanks & best regds
CE Md.Mahbubul Islam(15th.)
Interesting reading! When no visible alumni association for the Marine Academy, Chittagong was present in Bangladesh, JMAAA has been successfully operating for more than 7 years. JMAAA being the pioneer in the field, we have to recognise its contribution and take its views on board for forming a fully overhauled central alumni association in Bangladesh, no matter whatever name we may finally decide to give it by consensus.
If name of a locality/village has no relevance, why does the name Faujdarhat shines at the forefront in recognising a group as Faujians? Is it just because the institution was called FCC? In 1962 Juldia was a remote out of town place/village under Anwara in the district of Chittagong. Please excuse my ignorance but if anyone is aware of different reasons for branding a group as Faujians I would be grateful to be able to enhance my knowledge, as we learn every moment, from every mistake we make and there is no end to learning.
There was no reason to name Dhaka University as Ramna University – it was situated at the heart of Dhaka!
Best regards
Khairul Anam
9th Batch
Dear All
Whatever name we may finally decide to choose (or it appears that we might have already chosen!), we are to consider including all those who graduated from the Marine Academy in Juldia, Chittagong since 1962 – I can only give you my views.
Bangladesh Marine Academy started operating under this name since 1972 only and if we call our alumni association as ABMA, it would imply that we are excluding those who graduated from the Academy when it existed under Pakistan. In other words graduates from the 1st to the 8th batches would legally appear to fall outside ABMA for never belonging to BMA. The ex cadets of 9th batch were partly under Pakistan but mostly under Bangladesh, so only the graduates from the 10th batch onward would imply to fall under BMA.
Pakistani mariners have already officially claimed that their Marine Academy was established in 1962 in Juldia and then shifted to Karachi in 1971. They then continued from the 9th batch over there instead of starting from the 1st in Pakistan!
Best regards
Khairul Anam
9th Batch
Dear all,
The under mentioned facts my be useful for those who are not aware of attempted formation of JMAAA at Chittagong in 2005/2006
A mariners get-together meeting cum dinner was held at Chittagong port rest house on 30/09/2005 n large number ex-cadets were present.(Pls see the list).Formation of ex-cadets Alumni also discussed n most members were of same opinion.as such an ad-hoc committee formed consisting of under mentioned members to work further towards formation of an Alumni of marine academy.
a)Engr. Elahi Chowdhury (5th batch)
b) Capt. Md. Quamrul Hossain(6th batch)
c)Capt.Mohammad Ali(14th batch)
d)Engr. Sajid Hussain(15th batch)
The following names were discussed:- Juldia marine academy alumni association,Bangladesh marine academy alumni association,Marine academy alumni association chittagong +++.. But finally most favored Juldia Marine Academy Alumni Association.
It was also agreed that next passing out day i.e 27th December 2005 n at marine academy itself could be the ideal place/time for the official launching of the association.
Accordingly formation JMAAA was declared by ex- Commandant Capt Azizul Haque n the then MD of BSC in presence of large number ex- cadets.He also offered a room in BSC’s office for setting up JMAAA”s office.
But unfortunately registration could not be done due various reasons till December 2006.
Latter on ex-cadets of Marine Academy mostly from USA n Canada formed n registered JMAAA at USA. I thanked all those who were involved in the formation of JMAAA n running it effectively since then.
List of attended guests on 29/09/2005:-1)Engr. Tarek Anis. 2)Capt. ML.Rahman.3)Capt. M . Zakaria. 4)Engr. CF Zaman.5)Capt. Nur Ahmed.6)Capt. Amirul Islam.7)Capt.Kazi Ali Imam.8)Engr. Elahi Chowdhury.9) Capt M.Quamrul Hossain. 10) Capt.Habibur Rahman.11)Capt. Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan.12)Capt. Altafur Rahman.13)Capt. Ahmed Shahid Chowdhury.14)Capt. Zillur Rahman Buiyan.15)Engr Shakwat Hossain.16)Capt. RafiqI islam.17)Capt.Abdur Razzak Bhuiyan.18)Capt. Nazmul Alam.19)Capt. Mheuddin Abdul Qader.20)Capt.Syed Yusuf Ali.21)Engr.Sajid Hussain.
It would have been very nice if the office bearers of ABMA could have contacted with the office bearers of JMAAA before fixing the name .Please also note that there will be another 4/6 Bangladesh Marine Academy in various districts of Bangladesh. I think there my be more ABMA in Bangladesh in future!
With best regards.
Capt.(Marine) Md; Quamrul Hossain.(6th batch)
Dear Capt. Malek,
Thank you very much for coming up with a very interesting analogy. Being the president of OFA Chittagong Chapter, I think I might speak with some authority on this matter. If you are not aware of this fact, may I inform you that the Old Faujians Association was formed in the early sixties when our alma mater was known as the “ East Pakistan Cadet College”. Therefore, the name of the place took precedence over the name of the institution when the question of naming the Alumni Association came up. Later on, when other cadet colleges came up, there was no difficulty in naming these according to the name of the place where these were situated. As a result, we can proudly call ourselves as Faujians , Shahians or Jhenaidians etc.
Therefore, I do not see any difficulty in calling ourselves as “Juldians” which will definitely set us clearly apart from the ex – cadets of any other existing or future public / private Marine Academies in Bangladesh.
The above is food for thought only. The main idea of sitting together is to make sure that we recognize the good work of all the pioneers who led the way in forming an Alumni Association of our ex – cadets and did some visible and mentionable work in helping our Academy. If we ignore their contribution, we shall be encouraging disrespect towards good work in the society.
May we , therefore; try to include in our Alumni Association all those who have contributed or willing to contribute towards the wellbeing of our community at large? This includes the good work done by people like Capt. S.A.Taufiq, Suhrawardi Bhai, Capt. Abid, Capt. Sk Abdullah in North America; Engr. Baten in Singapore; Capt. F.R.Choudhury, Capt. Forkanul Qader and Capt. Khairul Anam in the U.K. and Engr. Delawar Ali in Australia. I shall personally support any initiative in bringing all the interested people with proven records together for the formation of a Single Alumni Association.
As proposed by Fakhruzzaman Bhai, we are waiting for your initiative in arranging a meeting in Chittagong. Please let me know if you need my help.
Best regards
Capt. Shafiq Bhuiyan
Dear Quamrul Bhai
Thank you very much for bringing the key facts out to light – I was not at all aware of these meetings or declaration on formation of JMAAA. Based on these facts, I would say that the alumni in USA and Canada did the right thing and followed the correct procedure for lawfully setting up & registering a branch of the association under the umbrella of JMAAA main body in Bangladesh.
From the information provided, I would not hesitate or feel ashamed of introducing myself as a Juldian. I fully agree with content of the last para of your email – because of existence of so many BMAs in Bangladesh and many more to be established, it is likely that there would be many more ABMA to come out in the future too!
Sincere thanks to Shafiq Bhuiyan Bhai too for his constructive input in a separate email – I would support his views.
I see no reasons why we should not now honour the decision already made by our representatives/seniors in September and December 2005 in presence of and agreement with 4 learned ex-Commandants and in presence of the current Commandant of our Marine Academy on the declaration of formation of JMAAA. If the current Commandant Mr Sajid Hussain was physically present at the meeting on 29.09.05, I would like to ask him to clarify why he did not disclose this fact when he became aware that there have been discussions taking place on the subject, which were apparently not bringing out a solution. I know him as a straight forward man and hope he would give us an honest answer.
I think we can now make an informed decision in finally confirming that we have agreed on our main alumni association and it’s main base at Chittagong. Overseas mariners would be encouraged to form branches under the main banner and operate independently if they so wish. Let us be united – together we win and only we can make it happen by taking everyone on board.
Kind regards
Khairul Anam
9th Batch
Dear all,
Greetings to all. After extensive discussion and consultation, I believe, we have agreed that it should be JMAAA and we should be Juldians. Remember, quite a few days back I wrote that already there is more than one marine academy and a few more in the pipe line including one in public sector in Pabna. So it makes sense that we remain Juldians as others are known as Faujians, Topians, Sargodians etc.
Yes, we should have the central office in Bangladesh with branches/ chapters in USA/ Canada, UK/ Europe, Australia/ New Zealand, UAE/ Mid-East, Hong Kong and Singapore. We should try to develop a common website and at the end after a forward slash Cen or US or UK etc. Let all the branches continue with their good work and maintain their own website. Only on major issues, matters should be consulted with central office.
Any new constitution should acknowledge by putting on record the initial good work done by Mr. S M Abdullah with his website and then by US-Canada chapter of (present) JMAAA.
Finally, let us also decide on the available fund (unspent surplus from the Jubilee). I think instead of any branch or central office claiming this fund, it should be best utilized for the Academy – perhaps buying some computers or good text books.
Before concluding may I request Mr. Khairul Anam to kindly take the initiative to organize our UK/ Europe chapter. The JMAAA matter should not cause any rift in our unified marine community which will remain a bigger organization. Best wishes to all.
Fazlur
Dear All
Greetings. This is my first intervention on the Ex-cadet Alumni
Association issue after observing the exchanges on this issue for the last two weeks.
At the very outset , I would like to draw every ones
careful attention to the guidance and concluding remarks given by Capt Fazlur Rahman Chowdhury (FRC). We all know about him but, may be, all of us do not know much about his ability to guide. He guided organizations like MCA, Maritime Administration of Gibraltar, Maritime Administration of Bahrain and numerous Caribbean and Asian Maritime Administration as Maritime Consultant and Adviser.
In Bangladesh our achievements in maritime sector is not much, but at least we are in the IMO white list and our maritime training and certification are recognized worldwide. Because of this small achievement our maritime community is, where it is now and let me confess to you all, honestly, that without FRC’s guidance we wouldn’t be able to achieve this also.
During my fifteen years of service in the Maritime administration I have seen how he, formally and informally, guided us for the betterment of the community and the nation.
The private maritime cadet training in Bangladesh is now flourishing. The first such training started in 2008 when I was DG Shipping. I was not quite sure whether maritime training should be privatized in Bangladesh and the issue was rolling around.
Then, I met FRC in an IMO session in London. During our informal discussion on numerous maritime issues, he asked me, why there is no private maritime training in Bangladesh while India has already established hundreds. I told him, about the trainee’s remote job prospect and he said as an administrator you do not look for their job, job will look for them, if you can ensure their training quality.
Coming back home I was able to convince the Ministry with his logic and that was the beginning of private maritime cadet training in Bangladesh. Today quite a few of these cadets are working abroad as certified officers and I feel FRC’s guidance on the issue was appropriate.
And not only us, there are hardly any maritime nation in the third world, including India, which has not taken his guidance on various maritime issues. During my numerous visit to IMO head quarter I had the opportunity to meet world maritime leaders and I found FRC is renowned among them.
I sincerely think that the maritime world should be grateful to him for his contribution in the sector and we as Bangladeshi mariners should feel proud to be associated with him.
On the issue of Ex-cadet association, I not only endorse his guidance but also consider the same as binding for all of us, for our own betterment. We all should thank him for taking this issue into his attention and for giving us a clear guidance.
Best regards to all.
a.k.m. shafiqullah
Dear all,
I fully endorse the view of my good friend FRC. I just want to one little thing and that is all of us has an Academy number and that should be treated as our identity number and this is to be followed by the suffix E(for Engineer ) or N (Nautical and then just the batch no. This should give the complete identity ofthe ex cadet. e.g. Fazlur Rahman Chowdhury A.No. 14 N 1, Salahuddin Ahmad A.No. 18 E 1. etc.
I hope it will be acceptable to all. It will ensure that onely marine Academy ex-cadets will be the members of the JMAAA.
Best regards
Salahuddin Ahmad A..No. 18E1
Thank you Salahuddin. Academy number is the best identification.
Fazlur R Chowdhury – 14(N).
Dear All Respected Seniors,
Salaam,
With due respect to all the postings:
On behalf of Bangladeshi Marine Community, Singapore we fully endorse our respected senior Fazlur Sir’s views dated 12 November 2013 regarding our Marine Community globalization with single entity with central head office in Marine Academy, Chittagong, Bangladesh with oveaseas branches/chapters around the globe under the main banner including our Singapore which is now running independently with our own constitution & we will consult on major issues with central body once it is formed.
Our recommendation/proposal will be:
1. Form a single global committee (with representatives from around the globe).
2. As our 10 most respected seniors from 1st batch has already endorsed with anonymous support from around the globe for JMAAA, our proposal & support to keep the name as JMAAA as our big umbrella (as main body in Bangladesh).
3. We do not recommend to form any mediation committee, all will mutually respect & agree with majority’s proposal/views.
4. Associate membership shall be allocated & offered for all professional non-marine academy graduates who are working with us including members of Bangladeshi Marine Community, Singapore.
5. For members’ identification with-out academy numbers (To accommodate non-marine academy members): D18/E18/D18C/E18C (C will denote Contemporary Batch).
Kind Regards
Baten (E18)
On behalf of Bangladeshi Marine Community, Singapore
Dear all,
I have tried very hard not be involved in the present controversy, but it is about time we arrive at a conclusion, however bitter it may sound to some of us. This is a reflection on the situation as it stands. It infers to no particular mail, but an assessment of what I gather, being very much in the thick of things.
The matter of contention is with a name. The aggravation to those here (When I say “those”, it is a broad sweeping statement and encompasses those who are actively in favour of ABMA) is that ninety percent mails in support of JMAAA are from abroad and a further ninety percent of those, are from seniors who are cadets of the pre-independence days.
I personally view the sentiments as follows:
1. Generally and broadly speaking (exceptions apart), there is a difference of opinion in the choosing of a suitable name between those who have passed out prior to independence and those who are from 10th batch downwards. I do not say the feeling is restricted to those abroad only, but seniors who are in Bangladesh as well.
2. There is a general feeling amongst the seniors that their contributions, in any form, will be wiped out by the formation of ABMA and that due recognition will not be given to them.
3. Such is the angst and resentment that from now, there are dictates of how the Bangladesh forum should run, what is to be done with “money”, how the membership should be numbered etc.
4. The related party in Bangladesh say they wish to have a unified forum where all ex cadets will be part, but strictly in the name of what the academy presently stands as, Bangladesh Marine Academy.
Gentlemen, far from having arrived at a consensus, there exists a strong difference of opinion within the fraternity.
My comments:
We have all been at the helm of different organisations in various capacities. It is the very few who contribute in the true sense, the rest create hindrances.
We also traditionally, as Bengalis, respect our seniors to the extent that even at this age and time, we address seniors as “Bhais” or “Sir”. This comes naturally. Those abroad should know very well that we normally call each other by first name.
Therefore, it logically follows, that many juniors will not participate in the email discussions. Given an option, should we go for a referendum or an opinion poll , anonymously, the bulk of the new generation of cadets will want an organisation in Bangladesh , run by people they know, in the present name of the Academy. They are aware of ex cadets who are in the fore front here, in Government Bodies, in business, in ship owning, ship building etc. They look towards them as their mentors. No one seems to have the time for a democratic purpose to resolve this issue.
If you are looking for honesty with no sugar coating or mincing of words, I shall give it to you. There has been, in the past, a serious rift among Engineers and Deck Officers, This grew to a very very sad state of affairs in the BSC days. Only recently has this improved . The question then came of Navy versus Merchant Navy. Direct versus non direct cadets. Fisheries Officers versus Academy/Direct Officers. Various other organizations against each other. Various office bearers against each other. . Many of us have tried to use different organisations for our personal benefit and interest.
We now have almost dysfunctional government bodies with limited personnel who can cater for Officers/Engineers. Corruption is rampant as is low standards. We are almost on the verge of losing our White List status at the IMO. There are strong reports that the “Maritime University” formed in the Academy will be headed soon by the Bangladesh Navy. BSC is already gone and soon it will be the Academy. Some may say, these have nothing to do with an Alumni. I beg to differ. I wish to point out that we ex cadets, for whatever reasons , have lost our rightful share of respect and dignity in Bangladesh.
Against the above back drop we are now clamoring for choosing a name? Where are our priorities?
I am a rational person, as many may testify. I am not fully convinced at the proceedings so far. I am, by default, anti-establishment. Furthermore, I am at the cusp, 11th batch, neither someone who has seen past glories of the Academy as extolled by my seniors, nor the progressive degradation of later years, as heard from my juniors. Unless we are in the limelight (in business or holding a senior maritime post) our profession meant knowing only our immediate senior or junior batches and people we have actually sailed with. I talk about the thousands of cadets in the junior batches. I am convinced, they are looking for safe guarding their future firstly, (by formation of a Union , like Singapore, India, UK etc). Secondly they would consider an Alumni, and those who do have the inclination, would like to see the alumni being run by the people they know locally.
Much as I wallow between respect and the past glories and much as I salute the efforts of all those before me who took the effort to be related to the academy, I cannot simply ignore reality. I know the pulse, since I have seen the general sentiments while forming the Dhaka Branch of the Nautical Institute. I am convinced its not the organization, or the name, but the active, selfless persons who run it. I am impressed by the list of those who wish to form ABMA since I have closely watched them in action at the time of the Golden Jubilee. I am also equally aware and very impressed with all the hard work and efforts made by those abroad at the JMAAA. But I do not see the two entities agree on the name. The stand-off, to my mind, seems to be non negotiable. Where do we go from here?
I would personally like to take a back seat and let the juniors with enthusiasm give their best efforts. I appreciate there is a difference between wisdom and intelligence. We should choose to impart wisdom when requested and hope for the best. If we wish to go against the current, we will have a dysfunctional JMAAA or ABMA, whichever we choose.
All I know, so far, despairingly, is that we are killing the baby before it is even born. Please convince me, otherwise.
Far from hurting any sentiments, this is to convey the frustration of the many here in Bangladesh, who are unable to express their views for reasons beyond their control. Respect for seniors over rides their desire to speak out and counter. When democratic efforts fail, it is time to approach the matter aggressively. One cannot, rationally, make everyone happy. And I fear a split is getting increasingly imminent, unless we seniors decide to piggy ride on fresh shoulders. It would not be acceptance of defeat but compromising on reality and throwing a new challenge to those who are showing an inclination.
At its worst, and I do not advocate it in any way, in the absence of a compromise, perhaps both entities could flourish complementing each other? Could that be a solution? Given time, and void of the present disparity, perhaps a merger would arise?
I care two hoots of who forms and hosts the next gathering at the Academy. All I want is our dignity and our respect and to take pride in the fact that we are ex cadets of a unique institution.
It is time we got our priorities in order and be graceful in acceptance of reality, in whichever way we choose to see it.
This is my independent view and I am aware this email has a limited viewer’s forum. It is not meant to instigate, defend or compliment any party but to convey that all is not well, agreed or accepted , as assumed. I will be failing in my duty as an ex cadet if I assumed otherwise. I have spent days in contemplating rationally if a mediation could resolve the issue. Too much is being said by one party and there is virtually an absolute silence from the other. It is not a good sign.
I trust this will be accepted in the selfless spirit in which it is written and implied.
Regards
Ghulam Hussain (11th)
Dear Ghulam Hussain Sir,
Salam,
With due respect to your views & comments, I would like to add that the views/comments/proposal posted from Singapore are on behalf of present 197 members of Bangladeshi Marine Community, Singapore which includes from 3rd Batch to 37th Batch & Contemporary.
Kind Regards
Baten (Marine 18; Faujian 22)
Many thanks Baten.
I wonder if Alumni would accept contemporaries. It would be a new concept.
Looking forward to an acceptable solution to the deadlock.
Kindest regards
Ghulam.
Dear All,
Salam,
1.ALUMNI NAMING CONTROVERCY CONTINUES
Like Capt. Ghulam, I had also thought the “Alumni naming controvercy” would naturally die down, however we do not see the same to be happening. So, what is the status of now?
2.COMMON GROUNDS:
Most members (including would be members) agree that:
2.1 There MUST be an Alumni for ex cadets of Bangladesh (previously known as Juldia) Marine Academy.
2.2 WE MUST be thankful to all the initiators and previous and current organisers and convenors of such efforts, since 2005, in particular to Capt. S M Abdullah, Engr. Suhrawardy and like.
2.3 Members of this Alumni are to be ONLY ex-cadets of above named Academy.
2.4 HQ of above Alumni is to be based at Bangladesh.
3.GROUNDS STILL BEING DEBATED:
3.1 Most of the senior members (from 1st to 9th batch, with age group 60-70, comprising only approx. 10% of the total of current ex cadets) prefer naming it as Juldia Alumni, whereas it seems most of the “not so senior” and “Junior” members (from 10th to 50th batch, with age group 21- 59 Yrs, comprising approx. 90% of the total of current ex cadets) prefer naming it as Alumni of Bangladesh Marine Academy.
3.2 It is logical to understand both group’s sentiment and expectations. The Senior Group had a sentimental attachment with the former name “Juldia Marine Academy”, whilst the “not so senior” and “Junior” groups had seen their alma mater only in it’s current name, that is “Bangladesh Marine Academy”. Many members of the later group are not participating at this discussion, as they simply are unable to oppose their seniors, right or wrong. However we all must realise that everyone has a right to express their opinions put forward in a logical and amicable/polite manner. In a dispute like this, open , frank and logical discussion is rather helpful.
4.SO, WHAT IS IN A NAME?
I am not asking this “classic” question, only for the sake of it.
In fact name matters, as it is synonymous with the identity and the pride that one takes with such an Association. This means the debate is serious and one group just can not let other group to accept their own proposition, until convinced or democratically voted against their choice.
5.WHY WE DON’T FOLLOW DEMOCRATIC PROCESS?
5.1 No doubt we all have high respect for our community leaders (may he be “senior” or “not so senior” (including several ex commandants, and a number of maritime leaders from home and abroad like Capt Fazlur, Engr. Salahuddin, Capt. Jalil, Engr. C F Zaman, Engr. Suhrawardy, Engr Dilwar Ali, Capt Shafique Bhuiyan, Captain Khairul, Captain Shafiqullah, Capt. Habib, Captain Ghulam ,Capt. S M Abdullah,Capt. Saifur Rahman,Engr. Sajid Hossain,Capt. Malek and Engr. Baten…only to name a few) , however I feel representative of every part of the community has NOT been consulted yet.
5.2 With all due respect to all the ex cadets between 1st till 9th batch, one may legitimately ask, why only 1st batch ex cadets are to decide about the name of the Alumni, particularly when a prominent such member (Capt FRC) already declined to be an arbtrator already? Why all members/ex cadets will not have equal rights to vote for their choice?
6.PLEASE LISTEN TO THE WISHES OF THE SILENT MASS
I am a strong advocate for the name ABMA, and I believe I represent at least about 80% of the ex cadets of Bangladesh Marine Academy, the silent mass,for the reasons as detailed below:
7.DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN FACT AND MYTH.
7.1Capt. FR Chy wrote:
“The Commandant of the Academy is in the centre point” .
My own personal view on same, are however as follows:
Logically, the ex cadets through their elected leaders should be in the centre point of the Alumni, not the commandant. Like most Universities and Educational Institutes worldwide, The ex-students Alumni should be independent of the Academy but working very closely and in partnership with Academy. Possibly FRC Sir just meant this way.
7.2 Capt. Khairul Anam wrote:
“I see no reasons why we could not be called Juldians for having gained our identity from Juldia for over half a century now”.
My own personal view on same, are however as follows:
The above statement is probably true for ex cadets between 1st and 9th batch only, as the others gained their identity from “Bangladesh Marine Academy”, as (Bangladesh) marine academy cadets.
7.3 Engr. Dilwar Ali wrote:
“My recommendation is that an Arbitration Committee is formed, comprising of the 1st Batch Juldians……… Their seniority and their ability to leverage their extensive experiences in providing guidance when incongruence arises amongst mariners needs no further elaboration. I believe that there is no other group of people that can be completely objective and unbiased to mediate resolutions for the path forward.”
My own personal view on same, are however as follows:
Whilst I generally agree to above comments related to their undisputed seniority, and unanimous respect that we all provide to them, let us not forget, they are also human being, with their natural nostalgia and sentiments, which they possess rightfully, so it would be difficult for them to remain unbiased, particularly with an naming issue which encompasses their pride and identity in their young lives . Pls do not misunderstand me, I have my highest respect for all of them.
7.4 Capt. Khairul Anam wrote:
“Bangladesh Marine Academy started operating under this name since 1972 only and if we call our alumni association as ABMA, it would imply that we are excluding those who graduated from the Academy when it existed under Pakistan. In other words graduates from the 1st to the 8th batches would legally appear to fall outside ABMA for never belonging to BMA “ .
My own personal view on same, are however as follows:
It is possibly incorrect to say above, which I would like to clarify further through a similarity example. Current BUET had changed name four times since establishment of it’s predecessor named “Dhaka Survey School” (DSS), back in 1866, in NalGola, Dhaka. Later it changed name to Ahsanullah School of Engineering (ASE), then to Ahsanullah Engineering College (AEC), and subsequently to East Pakistan University of Engineering & Technology (EPUET), and finally to current BUET. However , when the ex-students of this University (and it’s predecessor University/Institutions) had formed an Alumni, they named it as “BUETAA” (and NOT NALGOLIAN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION)which means BUET Alumni Association, and they accepted participation of all ex students of this University in her previous names as well. Nobody felt isolated or excluded.
7.5 Capt. Quamrul Hossain wrote:
“….there will be another 4/6 Bangladesh Marine Academy in various districts of Bangladesh. I think there may be more ABMA in Bangladesh in future!”
My own personal view on same, are however as follows:
Very incorrect statement. Again I will clarify with a similar example. There are a number of Engg. Universities in Bangladesh, and I am sure , there will be many. However There is only one BUET, others are called CUET, KUET,RUET, DUET etc., but never as another BUET or BUET No. 2 etc. Similarly There is (and will be) only one BMA for maritime education, others will simply be named as NMA, PMA (for Narayanganj, Pabna etc.), but any future marine educational Institutes will not be named as BMA, so long as the name of our motherland remains unchanged.
7.6 Capt. Khairul Anam wrote:
“If name of a locality/village has no relevance, why does the name Faujdarhat shines at the forefront in recognising a group as Faujians? Is it just because the institution was called FCC? In 1962 Juldia was a remote out of town place/village under Anwara in the district of Chittagong. Please excuse my ignorance but if anyone is aware of different reasons for branding a group as Faujians I would be grateful to be able to enhance my knowledge, as we learn every moment, from every mistake we make and there is no end to learning.”
My own personal view on same, are however as follows:
Thank you Anam Bhai,, for your willingness to let others clarify on such an interesting point, and as a Faujian,( same as Capt FRC, Engr Salahuddin, Capt Shafique Bhuiyan and Capt. Ghulam), I will take a humble attempt to do that as below:
All Cadet Colleges were established initially to prepare their students for Army (or “Fauj” , as known otherwise). All Cadet colleges are still running by the Army Governing Body. It is not the name of the place “Faujdarhat”, but the College’s inherent association with Army (Fauj) which composed a strange but pleasant/acceptable metaphoric string, resemblance and pride for the ex students of FCC to be named “Faujians”. On the contrast, ex cadets of Jhenidah , Mirjapur and Rajshahi cadet colleges call themselves as “Jhenida Ex Cadets”, (NOT Jhenidians, their Alumni name is JEXCA or Jhenidah Ex Cadets Association), “Mirjapur Ex Cadets” (NOT Mirjapurian, , their Alumni name is MECA or Mirjapur Ex Cadets Association) and “Rajshahi ex cadets” (again NOT Rajshahians, , their Alumni name is ORCA or Organisation of Rajshahi ex Cadets).
As can be seen, ex students of JCC, MCC and RCC felt pride and more importantly relevance, by being identified themselves with the CURRENT NAME of their alma mater, and NOT by the name of the village, where their respective alma maters belonged.
On a similar note, Rajshahi Cadet College was initially named as “Ayub Cadet College”, whilst Mirjapur Cadet College was initially named as Momenshahi Cadet College. However Their Alumni accepts everybody (as member), in “Organisation of Rajshahi ex Cadets” or “Mirjapur Ex Cadets Association”, and nobody who passed out of the colleges in their previous names had so far objected, or felt isolated. Everybody agreed that the current name of the Institution is to be reflected in the name of Alumni. Similar happened with BUET Alumni as well.
8.CONCLUSION and WAY FORWARD.
In my opinion, although confusing, but there is no big harm having two separate Alumni in the name of both JMAAA and ABMA. Ex cadets will chose which Alumni they wish to be associated with. As I believe, both groups have (in their opinions) some logic and justifications to stick to their names.
This is not end of the world and we should not get much frustrated by seeing difference of opinions, which is rather common in any just and democratic association. To resolve such dispute is not difficult, just arrange an AGM with all possible ex cadets, and get this agenda or question on vote, and decide once for all.
In the long term, the one with more dedicated and selfless members, who wish to contribute for the community will prevail. Meantime, let’s say, for arranging next Academy Re union, both Alumnies will work jointly (under their own banner) to make that a success.
Merger and Unified Alumnies are desirable, but not essential, so long as ALL Alumnies have good intention to work/contribute for the community.
All above are my personal views, and were not made to show affiliation or disrespect to any one. All fellow ex cadets of Bangladesh Marine Academy are welcome to make further comments on the subject.
Thanks and Salam to all.
Well, the name is possibly changing again as Sheikh Mujib Maritime University.
The Institution (Marine Academy or Maritime University) could still be in Juldia.
Let us have a name contest. The name can then be put to vote and decided.My two cents.
Dear All & Muztaba,
Assalamualikum.
Muztaba, Your view is well understood.
BUT, you are not realizing the fact that- any such parallel formation of associations/organizations/alumni’s will be disastrous & will be shameful to all of us in very near future.
The best recent burning example was “Old Faujian Association-OFA” which existed from the very beginning and then for some reason “Faujdarhat Cadet College Ex-Cadets Socieity” was formed and registered about 02/03 years back.
With formation of 02 Organizations for same institution, the Faujians got divided, filthy things started, we all became laughing stock to others, both factions started claiming they are better organization than other, some of the boys even did cross limits of extreme, both organization went to Adjutant General of BD Army claiming they are the legitimate body, as a result during yearly meeting of Adjutant General he did not all call any of these two organizations while representatives of all other Cadet Colleges organizations attended and so on on was going till Oct’2013.
I signed off from MV Fatema Jahan on 7th Aug’13 and once I am at Dhaka, all these started coming into knowledge of mine.
Though I am Life-member of OFn, was never an active in association’s businesses as I am Mariner had been sailing or when at shore then busy with my own businesses or such.
BUT, I was shocked to here all that happened and then I took personal initiative to meet with or made Tel calls for days to both the Alumni’s officials and finally could make them all sit down together (along with few of us & Ex-Chairman’s) on 24th Sept’13.
In the meeting both Alumni’s officials with good will and gesture decided to go back under one banner, OFn-Old Faujian Association and signed mutual understanding too.
To be noted that some radical juniors did not/may not like it, but after all the ill happening, Both bodies realized finally that ONE UMBRELLA IS BETTER (best) than two or many umbrellas.
It was also decided then that document wise regularization of OFn will be done at the soonest possible and once it is completed, then “Faujdarhat Cadet College Ex-Cadets Socieity” will be abolished.
Hope you and all will realize the black hole we all are going to fall in, if we all do not take necessary steps to remain under one umbrella.
It is always better to follow the route in which our seniors did go through, which obviously will be guideline to our juniors and their juniors in future.
If there is any shortcoming of our seniors then we must be vocal to protest it. BUT it by no way allow any of us to form any sort of association/organization/alumni, which will bring disaster to we Mariners of Marine Academy.
Hope you or others will not be confused with my above views.
I am not against formation of association by the Cadets of other Private Marine Institutes for themselves, if they wish to do so.
Hope you all will understand the need of Only one Umbrella, as I mentioned above.
Furthermore, I do also agree with opinion that is expressed related to Formation of Bangladeshi Mariners Union like other countries, so that interests Bangladeshi Mariners (from any origin) can be up held or protected.
Engr. Kazi Ashraf Haider – 14th Batch
I would suggest everyone to go to the site https://themaritimeblog.org/2013/10/schedule-teleconference-sunday-27-october-2013/. It has several attachments. If you read them, you will get some idea as to when and how the movement to start off an alumni association started in 2005.
Please talk to yourself and ask; what did you do for your alumni and also for Bangladesh. Please be honest. Bangladesh is full of fake freedom fighters, fake admirers; fake would be doers for the society. They will spend millions for their son or daughter’s wedding but not one penny to a good social cause. Forget about helping, they would even erect a road block for a group to succeed.
JMAAA was established in 2007 after failing to form an organization in Chittagong for once again, political reasons. It was formed in North America at the request of the Bangladeshi alumni.
Are we fighting for just the name? If that is so, why did the people who formed ABMA not talk to the others all over the world including the alumni in Bangladesh and lastly with the guardians of JMAAA? The people they quoted as founding supporters in their initiation letter later denied they had ever heard from the people who formed ABMA. Please look at ABMA circular:
https://themaritimeblog.org/2013/10/alumni-of-bangladesh-marine-academy-abma-formed-in-dhaka-october-2013/
Gentlemen: Kindly be fair to others as well as yourself. You are not forming an alumni association for political, personal gratification or seeking media attention. This organization is supposed to be for all the cadets who passed out of the Marine Academy that is situated in Juldia, Chittagong. JMAAA has been doing a lot of work quietly for many years. Your support to uphold this organization and preserve the history of the Academy is critical.
Kindly visit the site http://www.juldians.org for all the historical data if you have time and zeal to read.
Thanks
Ghulam Suhrawardi 6th Batch
Dear All,
Assalamu Alaekum & Good day,
It is splendid to see the article written
By capt. Ghulam (11).
It has expressed hidden aspirations of all junior Mariners in and around Bangladesh.
To run an Alumni organization of this kind we need young bloods to work under the thoughtful guidance of Seniors.
I quite agree with Engr Harun of BV & Engr Masud Karim of GL & congratulate Capt. Ghulam for putting together his thoughts viewing the practicality of the situation.
May the Almighty Allah Guide us towards righteous decision.
Enclosed flwg msg as received .
Today at 10:37 AM
Dear Sir,
Salam and thanks for your following mail. I agree with Capt. Golam hussain Sir statement and wish to have a association where we can work together hand in hand from respected 1st batch to the very latest 49th batch and so on.
Kind Regards/Capt. Feroz Mostafa(27th Batch)
On Thursday, November 14, 2013 2:24 PM, baten wrote:
Dear Ghulam Hussain Sir,
Salam,
With due respect to your views & comments, I would like to add that the views/comments/proposal posted from Singapore are on behalf of present 197 members of Bangladeshi Marine Community, Singapore which includes from 3rd Batch to 37th Batch & Contemporary.
Kind Regards
Baten (Marine 18; Faujian 22)
On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 2:57 PM, Ghulam Hussain wrote:
Dear all,
I have tried very hard not be involved in the present controversy, but it is about time we arrive at a conclusion, however bitter it may sound to some of us. This is a reflection on the situation as it stands. It infers to no particular mail, but an assessment of what I gather, being very much in the thick of things.
The matter of contention is with a name. The aggravation to those here (When I say “those”, it is a broad sweeping statement and encompasses those who are actively in favour of ABMA) is that ninety percent mails in support of JMAAA are from abroad and a further ninety percent of those, are from seniors who are cadets of the pre-independence days.
I personally view the sentiments as follows:
1. Generally and broadly speaking (exceptions apart), there is a difference of opinion in the choosing of a suitable name between those who have passed out prior to independence and those who are from 10th batch downwards. I do not say the feeling is restricted to those abroad only, but seniors who are in Bangladesh as well.
2. There is a general feeling amongst the seniors that their contributions, in any form, will be wiped out by the formation of ABMA and that due recognition will not be given to them.
3. Such is the angst and resentment that from now, there are dictates of how the Bangladesh forum should run, what is to be done with “money”, how the membership should be numbered etc.
4. The related party in Bangladesh say they wish to have a unified forum where all ex cadets will be part, but strictly in the name of what the academy presently stands as, Bangladesh Marine Academy.
Gentlemen, far from having arrived at a consensus, there exists a strong difference of opinion within the fraternity.
My comments:
We have all been at the helm of different organisations in various capacities. It is the very few who contribute in the true sense, the rest create hindrances.
We also traditionally, as Bengalis, respect our seniors to the extent that even at this age and time, we address seniors as “Bhais” or “Sir”. This comes naturally. Those abroad should know very well that we normally call each other by first name.
Therefore, it logically follows, that many juniors will not participate in the email discussions. Given an option, should we go for a referendum or an opinion poll , anonymously, the bulk of the new generation of cadets will want an organisation in Bangladesh , run by people they know, in the present name of the Academy. They are aware of ex cadets who are in the fore front here, in Government Bodies, in business, in ship owning, ship building etc. They look towards them as their mentors. No one seems to have the time for a democratic purpose to resolve this issue.
If you are looking for honesty with no sugar coating or mincing of words, I shall give it to you. There has been, in the past, a serious rift among Engineers and Deck Officers, This grew to a very very sad state of affairs in the BSC days. Only recently has this improved . The question then came of Navy versus Merchant Navy. Direct versus non direct cadets. Fisheries Officers versus Academy/Direct Officers. Various other organizations against each other. Various office bearers against each other. . Many of us have tried to use different organisations for our personal benefit and interest.
We now have almost dysfunctional government bodies with limited personnel who can cater for Officers/Engineers. Corruption is rampant as is low standards. We are almost on the verge of losing our White List status at the IMO. There are strong reports that the “Maritime University” formed in the Academy will be headed soon by the Bangladesh Navy. BSC is already gone and soon it will be the Academy. Some may say, these have nothing to do with an Alumni. I beg to differ. I wish to point out that we ex cadets, for whatever reasons , have lost our rightful share of respect and dignity in Bangladesh.
Against the above back drop we are now clamoring for choosing a name? Where are our priorities?
I am a rational person, as many may testify. I am not fully convinced at the proceedings so far. I am, by default, anti-establishment. Furthermore, I am at the cusp, 11th batch, neither someone who has seen past glories of the Academy as extolled by my seniors, nor the progressive degradation of later years, as heard from my juniors. Unless we are in the limelight (in business or holding a senior maritime post) our profession meant knowing only our immediate senior or junior batches and people we have actually sailed with. I talk about the thousands of cadets in the junior batches. I am convinced, they are looking for safe guarding their future firstly, (by formation of a Union , like Singapore, India, UK etc). Secondly they would consider an Alumni, and those who do have the inclination, would like to see the alumni being run by the people they know locally.
Much as I wallow between respect and the past glories and much as I salute the efforts of all those before me who took the effort to be related to the academy, I cannot simply ignore reality. I know the pulse, since I have seen the general sentiments while forming the Dhaka Branch of the Nautical Institute. I am convinced its not the organization, or the name, but the active, selfless persons who run it. I am impressed by the list of those who wish to form ABMA since I have closely watched them in action at the time of the Golden Jubilee. I am also equally aware and very impressed with all the hard work and efforts made by those abroad at the JMAAA. But I do not see the two entities agree on the name. The stand-off, to my mind, seems to be non negotiable. Where do we go from here?
I would personally like to take a back seat and let the juniors with enthusiasm give their best efforts. I appreciate there is a difference between wisdom and intelligence. We should choose to impart wisdom when requested and hope for the best. If we wish to go against the current, we will have a dysfunctional JMAAA or ABMA, whichever we choose.
All I know, so far, despairingly, is that we are killing the baby before it is even born. Please convince me, otherwise.
Far from hurting any sentiments, this is to convey the frustration of the many here in Bangladesh, who are unable to express their views for reasons beyond their control. Respect for seniors over rides their desire to speak out and counter. When democratic efforts fail, it is time to approach the matter aggressively. One cannot, rationally, make everyone happy. And I fear a split is getting increasingly imminent, unless we seniors decide to piggy ride on fresh shoulders. It would not be acceptance of defeat but compromising on reality and throwing a new challenge to those who are showing an inclination.
At its worst, and I do not advocate it in any way, in the absence of a compromise, perhaps both entities could flourish complementing each other? Could that be a solution? Given time, and void of the present disparity, perhaps a merger would arise?
I care two hoots of who forms and hosts the next gathering at the Academy. All I want is our dignity and our respect and to take pride in the fact that we are ex cadets of a unique institution.
It is time we got our priorities in order and be graceful in acceptance of reality, in whichever way we choose to see it.
This is my independent view and I am aware this email has a limited viewer’s forum. It is not meant to instigate, defend or compliment any party but to convey that all is not well, agreed or accepted , as assumed. I will be failing in my duty as an ex cadet if I assumed otherwise. I have spent days in contemplating rationally if a mediation could resolve the issue. Too much is being said by one party and there is virtually an absolute silence from the other. It is not a good sign.
I trust this will be accepted in the selfless spirit in which it is written and implied.
Regards
Ghulam Hussain (11th)
On 14 November 2013 11:32, baten wrote:
Dear All Respected Seniors,
Salaam,
With due respect to all the postings:
On behalf of Bangladeshi Marine Community, Singapore we fully endorse our respected senior Fazlur Sir’s views dated 12 November 2013 regarding our Marine Community globalization with single entity with central head office in Marine Academy, Chittagong, Bangladesh with oveaseas branches/chapters around the globe under the main banner including our Singapore which is now running independently with our own constitution & we will consult on major issues with central body once it is formed.
Our recommendation/proposal will be:
1. Form a single global committee (with representatives from around the globe).
2. As our 10 most respected seniors from 1st batch has already endorsed with anonymous support from around the globe for JMAAA, our proposal & support to keep the name as JMAAA as our big umbrella (as main body in Bangladesh).
3. We do not recommend to form any mediation committee, all will mutually respect & agree with majority’s proposal/views.
4. Associate membership shall be allocated & offered for all professional non-marine academy graduates who are working with us including members of Bangladeshi Marine Community, Singapore.
5. For members’ identification with-out academy numbers (To accommodate non-marine academy members): D18/E18/D18C/E18C (C will denote Contemporary Batch).
Kind Regards
Baten (E18)
On behalf of Bangladeshi Marine Community, Singapore
On Wed, Nov 13, 2013 at 6:25 AM, FR CHOWDHURY wrote:
>
> Dear all,
>
> Greetings to all. After extensive discussion and consultation, I believe, we have agreed that it should be JMAAA and we should be Juldians. Remember, quite a few days back I wrote that already there is more than one marine academy and a few more in the pipe line including one in public sector in Pabna. So it makes sense that we remain Juldians as others are known as Faujians, Topians, Sargodians etc.
>
> Yes, we should have the central office in Bangladesh with branches/ chapters in USA/ Canada, UK/ Europe, Australia/ New Zealand, UAE/ Mid-East, Hong Kong and Singapore. We should try to develop a common website and at the end after a forward slash Cen or US or UK etc. Let all the branches continue with their good work and maintain their own website. Only on major issues, matters should be consulted with central office.
>
> Any new constitution should acknowledge by putting on record the initial good work done by Mr. S M Abdullah with his website and then by US-Canada chapter of (present) JMAAA.
>
> Finally, let us also decide on the available fund (unspent surplus from the Jubilee). I think instead of any branch or central office claiming this fund, it should be best utilized for the Academy – perhaps buying some computers or good text books.
>
> Before concluding may I request Mr. Khairul Anam to kindly take the initiative to organize our UK/ Europe chapter. The JMAAA matter should not cause any rift in our unified marine community which will remain a bigger organization. Best wishes to all.
>
> Fazlur
>
Capt. Faisal Azim
Dear sir,
Salam. Many this for the mail. To me Capt. Guam Hussain sir is very much correct and I agree with his statement. This is my personal openion.
Capt. Faisal Azim, Sent from iPad
To [email protected]
Nov 14 at 11:34 PM
Dear sir,
Salam. Many this for the mail. To me Capt. Guam Hussain sir is very much correct and I agree with his statement. This is my personal openion.
Capt. Faisal Azim, Sent from iPad
Sent by Capt Malek
Dear All,
I was not in the communication loop for quite some time. However happy to get this fresh link. With due respect to my seniors of pre and post Bangladesh batches, I would only reiterate in line with Capt. Ghulam Hossain’s below long message that we have so much to do with our Alumni but we are struggling to just select the name and killing the baby before birth.
I thank Capt. Hossain for encompassing the details in his below mail and also to the respondents of regular mail communications.
I am definitely Juldians. I like to proclaim that I am Juldians and to tell the world that we belongs to Juldians group but one the other hand we have to accept the reality of present day. The Academy is now represented to the world officially as ‘Bangladesh Marine Academy’. Therefore the name ABMA more suits to the present day circumstances for our alumni.
Best regards.
A K M Masud Karim(21st Engr.)
Sent by Capt Malek
Dear All
I would first like to re-clarify my position – I am not representing the Bangladeshi Mariners living in the UK, views expressed here are my own and not necessarily endorsed by the BD Mariners group over here.
In the UK we do not have a formal registered association, it’s committee or constitution – we organise events and raise funds for good cause as and when required. All BD Maritime officers living in the UK – both sea-going and shore based – belong to this informal group irrespective of their race, religion, region or pre-sea training background – it does not matter whether they are from Marine Academy, Fisheries Academy, Naval Academy or No Academy at all. To keep our bonding of a very small number of mariners scattered around the UK intact, I suggest anyone wishing to join the Marine Academy Alumni Association contacts its HQ at Chittagong and joins directly after the the formation of its committee.
I fully support that the younger generation should be encouraged come forward and take the helm of alumni association of the Marine Academy, which was established in Juldia in 1962. I also strongly demand that the main office of the association must be based at Chittagong, run by the alumni living in Bangladesh and perhaps have its branches or chapters overseas where practicable.
At the same time I would strongly emphasise that we must not disown the association that our respected seniors formed at Chittagong on 29 September 2005 with foresightedness and we need to make the younger generation of alumni aware of the facts without attempting to distort the history. If we do, it would be like changing the name of airports, halls or roads every time the regime changes. Who knows, what name our Academy is going to have next year! Do we then change the name of its alumni association again?
It’s not the question of killing a baby here who was not even born, in my opinion it does not arise at this stage as the baby being 8 years old is now at its childhood. In fact the baby named JMAAA was born on 29 September 2005 at Chittagong and we now have a duty of care to nurture this apparently crippled child to help it grow after overcoming the teething problems of its childhood. Changing the name only is not the solution – what we need is change of hearts and minds to help it develop through effective engagement with all concerned for making it fit for purpose and delivering its objectives.
I think we need to recognise the contributions made by our seniors in doing the most difficult initial job of establishing an alumni association at Chittagong – we now need to move forward by building on from the good work already done by them and later followed by JMAAA in Canada and USA. In my opinion, our priority now should be moving ahead and causing no rifts within our community.
Best regards
Khairul Anam (9th)
Dear All Respected Seniors & Beloved Juniors,
Salaam,
We surely do not want division among our Marine community around the globe, all our effort (responsibilities) should be to try & keep all united.
It would be better to discuss face to face rather to express views using email exchanges.
Let me humbly try very briefly:
1) Our endorsement from Singapore was regarding “Marine Community globalization with single entity with central office in Chittagong with overseas branches including our Singapore”. Remaining was recommendation/proposal to consider.
2) ABMA or JMAAA: In my opinion, there is a missing point. Once we have formed an Alumni as JMAAA & exists since September 2005 which many of us are not any part of it until now knowingly or unknowingly, now when the question raised for globalization, I think, we all should join this single entity without forming a new entity. To keep all united under one big umbrella, in this scenario, we do not apply democratic process to form 2nd Alumni.
This naming question should have been arise or raised if there was no existence of any Alumni before.
Existing leaders’ are obliged to guide younger generation & pass-on the leadership baton
which will automatically fall in due course.
Hope I did not hurt anyone in any way.
Kind Regards
Baten (Marine 18; Faujian 22)
Dear All
I would fully endorse Baten’s views and pragmatic approach, which he has presented on behalf of a large number of Bangladeshi Merchant Marine Officers living successfully in Singapore. I am sure all will agree that the last thing we want to see is both JMAAA and ABMA running parallel – this would be disastrous and benefiting none.
Why kill a baby who was born in 2005 rather than seeing & helping it grow through nurturing? Let’s help the younger generation of the alumni with facts rather than fiction in making an informed decision – they are the ones who will be taking it forward and running the show.
Thanks to everyone for their thoughtful contributions so far – every opinion counts and is respected.
Best regards always
Khairul Anam (9th)
Dear all:
Captain Khairul Anam should be commended for his forthright comments about the work done by the Alumni Association that has already made its mark. We should all support his vision and mission in this regard.
Just going about supporting something without reading or giving deep thoughts on the fruitful work of JMAAA is not to the best interests of all alumni. JMAAA’s aim is to preserve a historical precedent of the Academy vis a vis Juldia, Chittagong; a sleepy abandoned village where the academy was established in 1962. I would urge everyone to read the articles in http://www.juldians.org and familiarize with the work of JMAAA before taking sides.
There cannot be or should not be any other organization other than the existing JMAAA. Fighting about the name now is ludicrous. BMA also could mean Bangladesh Military Academy. As Khairul said, the name of the Academy could be changed again with the political turn over. So are you going to keep changing the name of the association to fit the future names of the Academy?
Simply disregarding the existing association (JMAAA) which has done tremendous work for a lot of years is not correct. The proponents of ABMA should have given proper respect to the founders of JMAAA and perhaps could have added to the value of an alumni association for the alumni and not for a photo or a television op.
JMAAA was not formed to take a political aim or achieving a hidden goal.
ABMA has declared to use over 13 lacs taka raised during the Golden Jubilee as if it was their money. We should be asking why do they not raise their own funds to proclaim their niche organization. Golden Jubilee money does not belong to ABMA.
I would urge the alumni to keep writing. That is only way you will know the facts.
Regards
Ghulam Suhrawardi; 6th batch
Suhrawardi et.al
AA wr wb.
I am happy and elated to realise that most of those who commented do feel positively about an unified approach and have shown solidarity in keeping our fraternity together. I appreciate Muzataba’s (Reza) initiative in analysing salient aspects of views expressed regarding Alumni. I did send the following in support of FRC’s approach. We have also made ourselves heard through our focal point Capt Khairul Anam and do see the practical side being reflected in Suhrawardi’s latest.
“Fazlur bhai/all
Salaam.
Sir, I fully agree with your suggested approach and thank you for taking the initiative.
As an ex-Academy cadet I firmly believe that from 1st batch to batch infinity, all brothers and sisters those who passed out or will pass out of such prestigious institution, have an eternal bond that can never be severed. There is not a shred of doubt in my mind that we belong to the same institution and joined through umbilical cord of brotherhood or sisterhood. From Chittagong, Dhaka, Teknaf to New Orleans to Melbourne or Singapore or London wherever we are, we feel for each other and we do come together at times of need, happiness, urgency and or crisis. We may differ in our opinion but we stand out as one and we have always been that way. We have great respect for our seniors and we have love and devotion towards our juniors or future generation of cadets. Let us not mull over smaller issues when we have such strong ties and bond. Let us be inclusive & think as one and feel as one and navigate through this treacherous period as one. ”
Best regards.
Forkanul Quader
Dear All
You may wish to read the opinion expressed this morning by Suhrawardy Bhai from New Jersey by clicking on the link below.
I have expressed my opinion in a few exchange of emails recently on the basis of facts only and tried to put up a robust defence for what I thought to be just & fair. I think it was very unfair for a fraction of mariners in Bangladesh to open up the parallel ABMA without even consulting with the existing association which was formed in Bangladesh on 29 Sept 2005. This shows blatant disregard to democracy and disrespect to the fellow/senior mariners who had already started the hard work.
In my opinion, whatever happens we mariners in the UK would continue to belong to one community and continue in the same way for socialising and fund raising activities. I feel that anyone wishing to be a member of the JMAAA should belong to its central organisation in Bangladesh as I do not wish to see a division among us in the very small community that exists here – we belong to the BDMariners Group in the UK.
Kind regards
Khairul
Dear Capt. Khairul and all respected brothers – those who have expressed their views and put up their amicable and justified arguments as appended
AAS-SAALAMU-AALAIKUM, WRWBKTU
Many thanks for all you have done so far and continuing doing despite your busy days. Highly appreciate. I also appreciate, uphold and sincerely agree with all been said herein above regarding the attempts to divide our bonding with the Juldia Marine Academy and JMAAA.
Like it has been mentioned “JMAAA was not formed to take a political aim or achieving a hidden goal”. Any attempt to divide us or to weaken us will amount to serious disregard to the JMAAA as a whole. Like many as came up with their feelings, many more are there with the same feeling. They may not have noticed so far, they may be strongly feeling same. Just for taking a credit for forming an association by diving the very feelings and emotions of so many Bangladeshi Mariners, irrespective of Pre-Sea background. Capt. Khairul is right we belong and express our solidarity with JMAAA which was formed by many of our well wisher and sincere Mariners in 2005. I do not see any necessity to form another parallel association abandoning the existing one for no reason what so ever, other than so called name & fame seeker, which we must not nurser. This will not only divide us, but will invite lot of political motives to creep in to initiate a very damaging attitude. This may encourage many more to fulfill their aims as well and ultimately may line up with numerous and ever growing political parties in Our Country with name changing waves.
Name Change or Division – Is it necessary ????? Is it worth ??? Have we thought what it may ultimately lead us to ????
I hope, who so ever are trying to initiate such damaging motives will cool down, think about our united feelings, value many hard works that already been done since 2005, to reconcile with their modest feelings and try to improve what ever have so far been done and all on goings. This will definitely strengthen us better and will make the JMAAA ever expanding and stronger to deliver all we unitedly think and dream of doing and that time we will appreciate each other and all for not doing otherwise.
May Allah, the Almighty, Give us Serenity to accept what we should not change and Courage to change the future path of the present with rejecting all motives wishing to divide us and weaken us and give us Wishdom to See, apprehend and distinguish the bad ones before it onsets.
Capt. Nurul Hoque
Juldia Marine Academy (9th Batch)
I am concernd when I heard that a maritime university bill has been passed in the parliamnt and that is going to be dominated by the fresh water seaman from the navy. I feel that the requirement of training and its objective are different in Navy and Merchant Navy. Just nautical science and marine engineering is not all that is there in our higher study. In our university we have create expert on marine transpotation, Ship chartering and ship broking, marine insurance, Naval architecture , Ship construction and ship building and so forth. We need to know what sort of experts this university is going to create and what are going to be the field of there research etc.etc. before we tackle the issue of maritime university.
Thanks and regards
Salahuddin Ahmad 18E1