Captain FR Chowdhury wrote to the State Minister about our Indian VISA problem

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Posted on Mar 6, 2017 in NEWS | 1 comment

From : [email protected] Date : 05/03/2017 – 20:02 (GMTST) To : [email protected]

Subject : Drawing your kind and urgent attention

Dear Mr. Alam,

Someone gave me your e-mail contact and said “he (meaning you) is always eager to do something good”. So, I write to you.

My name – Fazlur Chowdhury. I am an ex-mariner. I am now retired and live in London. I still take lot of interest in the well being of our maritime sector. This is a very important sector for us. Hundreds of seafarers are employed at sea both on national as well as foreign flag ships. Our well qualified mariners are also employed ashore in HK, Singapore, Europe, USA and Middle-East. Bangladeshi mariners make very important contribution to our national economy.

Shore leave (right to go ashore in a foreign port) has been an integral part of sea-life. It is essential for general well-being of seafarers who remain away from their near and dear ones for days together for the sake of trade and friendship between nations. We all have enjoyed such shore leave everywhere in the world. However, certain countries have imposed some additional checks and controls to deter terrorist activities. But no country has imposed any total ban.

Recently in Indian ports all Bangladeshi seafarers are treated as criminals and terrorists. They are not allowed to go ashore. This is clear violation of international practice and procedures. Bangladesh and India always maintain excellent relationship. Indian seafarers enjoy shore leave facilities in Bangladesh ports as usual. It is not understood as to why Indian immigration officials have taken this attitude. Bangladesh seafarers feel very deprived, insulted and humiliated.

We have no objection to imposition of additional security measures but we do protest all our nationals being branded criminals and terrorists. This is not acceptable.

Sir, we hope you will kindly call the Indian HC in Dhaka and demand an explanation of this matter. It must be solved once for all. Kind regards.

Fazlur R Chowdhury

 

One Response to “Captain FR Chowdhury wrote to the State Minister about our Indian VISA problem”

  1. Zilani says:
    March 6, 2017 at 3:05 pm

    These are the Seniors whom we need for the Community, for the country.