Govt planning to add 21 ships to BSC fleet

The government is planning to add 21 ships to the fleet of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC).

Making the disclosure while speaking as a chief guest at the BSC’s 45th Annual General Meeting at the Chattogram boat club on Sunday, State Minister of Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said, “The government is planning to bring 21 more ships for BSC.

“Till now, six ships have been added to the fleet and work is on to bring more. Besides increasing the Chittagong Port’s capacity, thousands of crores are being invested in the development of Mongla port and Payra seaport.”

He continued, “Due to the right steps taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a moribund industry has now become profitable. Now, BSC stands as an established company in the share market.  BSC's net profit in FY22 was Tk 225.81 crore.

“Four new National Marine Institutes have been established and three more are to be established to produce skilled sailors. They will play a role in earning foreign exchange and make the country's economy more dynamic. Hence, BSC will play a role as one of the partners in the implementation of a blue economy.”

Khalid then added, “A part of the profit is kept in the stock market. The dividend for the shareholder increased to 20 percent this year which was 12 percent previously.

“Bangladesh National Flag Ships (Protection of Interests) Act 2019 has been passed by the National Parliament. As a result, BSC will get priority in sea transport in importing or exporting goods with government funds.”

Shipping secretary Mostafa Kamal, Commodore S M Moniruzzaman, Shareholder Kabir Ahmed Chowdhury, Kamal Uddin Ahmed, and Abdul Kader also spoke at the event.