Update on the Release Efforts for Captain Mahbubur Rahman (40N)

Update on the Release Efforts for Captain Mahbubur Rahman (40N)

Dear Alumnus,

Many of you have been closely following the situation of our fellow alumnus, Captain Mahbubur Rahman, detained in Venezuela since February 2025. I wish to provide a clear update on his case and the efforts underway.

On July 25, 2025, I announced—based on information from the Bangladesh Embassy in Brasília—that the Venezuelan court had dismissed Captain Mahbub’s case. That information later proved premature. While the case has indeed taken a positive turn, it is not yet concluded. I sincerely regret the earlier misunderstanding and the raised expectations.

Court Proceedings

Hearings were held on August 6–7, during which the plaintiffs introduced numerous witnesses and so-called experts, which prolonged proceedings.

The next hearings are scheduled for August 21–22.

The prosecutors have brought in witnesses, about 20-30 persons, most of whom were not directly connected with the incident on that day, and their testimony has further delayed progress.

Legal and Diplomatic Situation

Though hearing dates are being set up at a frequent interval, due to the slow process of testimony and a large number of witnesses, the entire trial process seems delayed.

The claimant list now includes the wife, ex-wife, and children of the deceased diver and the injured diver.

The Meghna Prestige was released on April  28, 2025. Had the Master’s release been included in that settlement, this situation might have been resolved months earlier.

Current Challenges

Added claimants and questionable expert testimony exacerbate the slow legal process.

There is a need for stronger legal/lobbying efforts and diplomatic pressure to accelerate the resolution.

Health and Welfare

Captain Mahbub is facing serious health issues, including spinal problems, urinary complications, and a hernia.

While receiving some medical attention, he and his family remain under significant emotional and mental stress.

Government Involvement

The Bangladesh Embassy in Brasília has been active in following the case.

There is no indication so far of involvement by the Ministry of Shipping.

Background details

During Captain Mahbubur Rahman’s long captivity, I—on behalf of the Bangladesh Marine Academy Alumni Association (BMAAA)—together with Captain Anam Choudhury (12N), the President of BMMOA, worked tirelessly to secure the release of our fellow alumnus. I must commend the BMAAA Executive Committee for giving me full support in this matter.

We reached out to the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for assistance. We also coordinated closely with representatives of the shipping company Meghna Group to ensure a unified effort.

Soon after we contacted MOFA, Mr. Tarek Hasan responded promptly, informing us that their office in Brazil would handle the matter, as Bangladesh has no embassy in Venezuela. Mr. Fuad, Acting Head of Chancery in Brazil, contacted me and maintained continuous communication.

After extensive correspondence, Commodore Afzalul Haque, Defence Attaché in Brazil, personally took charge of the matter and traveled to Venezuela, working tirelessly on the case.

Our Maritime Counsellor at the Bangladesh High Commission in London, Captain Kazi ABM Shameem (24N), also actively engaged with Venezuelan counterparts in London and with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to advocate for Captain Mahbub’s release.

Meanwhile, the management of Meghna Group, led by Captain Aman, worked through their legal team in Venezuela to pursue both the release of the vessel MV Meghna Prestige and her Master. In late April  2025, Meghna Shipping succeeded in securing the vessel’s release, allowing it to sail from Venezuela, but Captain Mahbubur Rahman (40N) remained in custody.

I will continue to closely monitor developments until the case is fully resolved and will provide further updates as new information becomes available. In the meantime, I urge everyone to keep Captain Mahbub and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Warm regards,

Ghulam Suhrawardi (6N)

President, BMAAA  August 10, 2025