Passing out 49 batch of Bangladesh Marine Academy Cadets

 The passing out parade was held on 23rd December 2015 with about 200 cadets graduating this year. Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan was the Chief Guest. The Marine Academy, Chittagong was established in 1962 on the eastern bank of the river Karnafuli, a beautiful picturesque lush green hilly place. Initially the number of cadets was 42, taking 21 from former East Pakistan and 21 from West Pakistan. Marine Academy, the only institution in the country of its nature has been recognized as a branch of World Maritime University, Malmo, Sweden in 1989 for producing efficient and active seafaring officers both in Nautical & Engineering branches.

Employment was a big issue this year and this graduating class will have a rough time getting sea employment. The Awami League government having been advised of a shipping boom, allowed opening of 18 private academies and also is expected to open 6 more government run academies in various parts of Bangladesh. It is apparently clear now that finding employment for the graduating cadets is not going to be an easy task. Most of the graduates from 2013 are also jobless. It is estimated that about 800 Bangladesh Marine Academy and 18 private academy cadets are without jobs.

49 and 50^th batches on the parade ground. Passing out – 49^th batch

Many students spend at least Tk 15 to 16 lakh to complete their education under private institutions while the cost is Tk 3 or 4 lakh in BMA. A premier BMA wil have to compete with more resourceful private academies and the future does not look good. The shipping industry is in a slump and no one can predict the turn-around time to employ all these marine cadets that are being graduated every year.

49^th Batch – saluting the Chief Guest – Minister Shahajahan khan

23.12.15 Shiping Minister Shahjahan Khan taking salutes from the passing out 49^th batch