[🇧🇩-Navy] Bangladesh Navy news/views

[Saif]

Is our navy unable to protect Bangladeshi merchant ships in the Indian Ocean?

Bangladeshi ship hijacked by Somalian pirates on Indian Ocean

All crew members on board; pirates have taken control of vessel, says company that owns the ship

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladeshi ship hijacked by Somalian pirates on Indian Ocean​

All crew members on board; pirates have taken control of vessel, says ship-owning company

A Bangladesh-flagged cargo vessel, MV Abdullah, was hijacked in the Indian Ocean by a group of Somalian pirates around noon today, and all crew members of the vessel are being held hostage on board, officials said.

MV Abdullah was heading for Al Hamriyah Port of UAE carrying cargo coal from Mozambique's Maputo port when the pirates attack.

According to sources, the vessel has 23 crew members and belongs to Bangladeshi organisation SR Shipping Lines, a sister concern of Chattogram-based Kabir Steel and Rerolling Mill (KSRM) Group.

Confirming the news, KSRM's media adviser Mizanul Islam told The Daily Star, "We came to know that the vessel was under attack by pirates in the Indian Ocean. Twenty-three crew members are reportedly in a safe space inside the vessel's cabins while the pirates have taken control of the ship."

"We are trying to establish communication with them," he added.

Captain Anam Chowdhury, president of Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers' Association, told The Daily Star, "We received a WhatsApp message from a hostage that pirates took over the vessel and they were locked inside the cabins. The pirates have heavy arms and ammunition."

"The crew have sought support and help from us. We are trying to talk to government high-ups," he added. KSRM group has a total of 23 vessels operating on different international routes. MV Abdullah, earlier known as Golden Hawk, was bought by KSRM group last year.

Of the 23 crew members, 11 are from Chattogram.

The crew members are: Captain Mohammad Abdur Rashid, Chief Officer Mohammed Atikullah Khan, 2nd Officer Mazharul Islam Chowdhury, 3rd Officer Md Tarequl Islam, Deck Cadet Md Sabbir Hossain, Chief Engineer ASM Saiduzzaman, 2nd Engineer Md Toufiqul Islam, 3rd Engineer Md Rokan Uddin, 4th Engineer Tanveer Ahmad, Engine Cadet Ayub Khan, Electrician Ibrahim Khalil Ullah, AB Md Anwarul Haque, AB Md Asifur Rahman, AB Sazzad Hossain, OS Joy Mahmud, OS Md Najmul Haque, OS Ainul Haque, Oiler Mohammed Shamsuddin, Oiler Md Ali Hossain, Fireman Mosharaf Hosasin Sakil, Chief Cook Md Shafiqul Islam, GS Md Noor Uddin, and Fitter Md Saleh Ahmed.

On December 5, 2010, another vessel, MV Jahan Moni of the then Brave Royal Shipping Line, the sister concern of SR Shipping, was hijacked by pirates in the Arabian Sea off the coast of India.
Twenty-five crew members and the wife of chief officer were held captive by the pirates and rescued after nearly 100 days.​

 

[Saif]

 

[Saif]

We need a powerful Ocean going navy to protect our merchant ships from sea pirates in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

Hijacked Bangladeshi ship: Pirates demand $5 million as ransom

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

Hijacked Bangladeshi ship: Pirates demand $5 million as ransom
14 Mar 2024, 12:00 am

Special Correspondent :

The government of Bangladesh has reported that the 23 crews of MV Abdullah, currently held hostage by Somali pirates, are safe, and concerted efforts are underway to secure their release.

Negotiations are actively taking place between relevant departments and the pirates, reminiscent of the successful liberation of Bangladeshi crews from Somali captivity back in 2010.

According to sources within the Foreign Ministry and Shipping Ministry, the government is closely monitoring the situation, with the ship still within its surveillance radar as the pirates gradually steer it towards Somalia.

Despite the gravity of the situation, some crew members have managed to establish contact with their families, urging them to facilitate their rescue from the clutches of the pirates, who are reportedly demanding a ransom of around $5 million.

“We have initiated communication with the pirates through intermediaries.

There are various agencies experienced in negotiating with Somali pirates, including those who were involved in the successful rescue mission in 2010,” disclosed a senior official from the Department of Shipping (DoS), speaking on condition of anonymity.

Some family members of the abducted crew have taken the initiative to reach out to the owner of the ship, the KSRM Group in Chattogram, hoping to contribute to the efforts for their release.

Among the 23 crew members, 11 hail from Chattogram alone, two are from Noakhali, and one each from Natore, Naogaon, Feni, Faridpur, Lakshmipur, Barishal, Netrakona, Sirajganj, Tangail, and Khulna.

As of now, the government of Bangladesh has not disclosed any details regarding the ransom demanded by the pirates.

Khalid Mahmud, the State Minister for Shipping, assured reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday that intensive efforts are underway to secure the release of the MV Abdullah’s crew.

However, Mahmud acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that the captors are not ordinary individuals but pirates.

He highlighted that certain organisations are equipped to negotiate with the pirates and emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the swift and safe return of both the crew and the vessel.

Regarding the location of the ship, Mahmud mentioned that it is currently positioned approximately 600 nautical miles off the Somali coast. While the exact identity of the pirates remains unknown, he indicated that they are likely from the region.

Mahmud reiterated the government’s unwavering determination to repatriate the crew without compromising their safety.

Despite concerns about potential threats to the crew’s lives, Mahmud stated that there has been no official indication of such risks, emphasising the government’s priority to bring the crew back home unharmed.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued directives to the Foreign Ministry and other relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of the crew members of the hijacked ship.

The vessel, owned by SR Shipping, a company under the KSRM Group based in Chattogram, fell prey to Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean while en route from Mozambique to Dubai. All 23 crew members aboard the ship are Bangladeshi nationals.

Shahriar Jahan Rahat, Deputy Managing Director of KSRM Group, assured the media that the company is prioritizing the rescue efforts for the 23 crew members. The crew roster includes Captain Mohammad Abdur Rashid, Chief Officer Mohammad Atikullah Khan, Second Officer Mazharul Islam Chowdhury, Third Officer Tarequl Islam, Deck Cadet Sabbir Hossain, Chief Engineer ASM Saiduzzaman, Second Officer Toufiqul Islam, Third Engineer Rokon Uddin, Fourth Engineer Tanvir Ahmed, Engine Cadet Ayub Khan, electrician Ibrahim Khalil, seaman Md Anwarul Haque, seaman Md Asifur Rahman, seaman Sazzad Hossain, seaman Joy Mahmud, seaman Nazmul Haque, seaman Ainul Haque, oiler Mohammad Shamsuddin, Ali Hossain, fireman Mosharraf Hossain Shakil, chief cook Shafiqul Islam, general steward Nur Uddin, and fitter Saleh Ahmed.

Notably, KSRM Group owns a fleet of 23 ships, all engaged in international routes. In a similar incident in 2010, one of their vessels, ‘MV Zahan Moni,’ was hijacked by Somali pirates but later released after a ransom was provided.​

 

[Saif]

Brand new patrol craft for Bangladesh Navy. Most probably, gift from Japan.

 

[Saif]

I have been saying this for many years that Bangladesh needs to become a major maritime power to protect her economic and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. Our navy must have an extended reach to deal with any maritime threat arising from state and non-state entities in international waters.

Taking stock of Bangladesh’s maritime vulnerabilities

The primary focus of the government and related organisations should be on safely returning the crew members of MV Abdullah to their families.

www.thedailystar.net

Taking stock of Bangladesh’s maritime vulnerabilities​

ILLUSTRATION: BIPLOB CHAKROBORTY

The Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier MV Abdullah, owned by Chattogram-based SR Shipping, a subsidiary of KSRM Group, was en route from Maputo, Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates, carrying a cargo of 55,000 tonnes of coal. On March 12, at approximately 1:30 pm Bangladesh time, the vessel came under an attack by Somali pirates in the waters of the Indian Ocean. There were 23 Bangladeshi crew members on board at the time of the attack.

Maritime piracy presents significant challenges to Bangladesh, particularly in light of recent developments, such as the tensions caused by Houthi rebels of Yemen in the Red Sea. The incident of piracy off the coast of Somalia has added a new dimension to it. It is important to note that the threat of maritime piracy is not something new for Bangladesh. A similar incident occurred in 2010 when the Somali pirates hijacked a merchant ship. For Bangladesh, maritime security represents both a traditional and non-traditional security threat. As a coastal country, Bangladesh is heavily reliant on its water bodies, and thus a threat to its maritime security is a direct threat posed towards the country. At the same time, modern piracy has evolved into a more complex and organised form, exacerbating its threat to the country's security and economic stability.

As a maritime nation and an export-dependent economy, Bangladesh relies heavily on its maritime resources for trade, transportation, and economic growth. Ensuring maritime security is thus a basic requirement for safeguarding its territorial integrity and promoting sustainable development. The rise of modern piracy further underscores the urgency for the country to prioritise maritime power. Strengthening naval capabilities, enhancing surveillance systems, and fostering regional cooperation are crucial steps in countering this evolving threat. Additionally, integrating maritime security into broader national security frameworks is essential for addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges effectively.

Besides, Bangladesh's economy relies heavily on maritime exports, with nearly 94 percent of its foreign trade conducted through sea routes. This reliance highlights the critical importance of the maritime sector, including essential industries like RMG, jute products, and marine resources, which are vital to the country's GDP. With the foreign ministry pushing for a sustainable Blue Economy approach, it is clear that maritime exports are not just part of Bangladesh's economy—they are its cornerstone.

The hijacking incident brings to light a crucial aspect of Bangladesh's dependence on the sea: the absolute need to prioritise global maritime security. Incidents such as these pose a direct threat to the country's economic lifeline by increasing the cost and risk of maritime trade, thereby inducing global market fluctuations as well as contributing to the volatility of export revenues. Heavy reliance on a narrow range of exports—such as RMG—can exacerbate the impact of external shocks, such as economic downturns or geopolitical tensions, potentially destabilising the economy.

An important thing to remember is that despite Bangladesh's rich maritime heritage, its approach to maritime security remains relatively underexplored. Though the people of Bengal have a rich history as seafarers, boat-makers, traders, and shipbuilders, this legacy has not transformed into comprehensive strategic planning or policymaking. There is a notable absence of specialised studies solely dedicated to maritime security. There is also a need to fashion a proper maritime identity.

Capacity-building stands as a critical prerequisite for effectively addressing maritime security challenges. Bangladesh should prioritise efforts in this direction, focusing on empowering both governments and coastal communities to effectively govern and sustainably utilise the maritime domain. This comprehensive approach involves institutional reform, governance enhancement, procedural improvements, and management reforms across various policy sectors. Given the scarcity of indigenous expertise, Bangladesh can engage in partnerships with foreign countries and pursue maritime diplomacy to effectively address its security needs.

We have to assume that such incidents will continue to take place in the high seas. Therefore, our incident management system needs to be comprehensive. There needs to be seamless coordination among different ministries and agencies to deal with such incidents. Greater cooperation between the private sector and the government in addressing maritime security needs is highly important as well.

Right now, the primary focus of the government and related organisations should be on safely returning the crew members of MV Abdullah to their families and resolving the situation promptly. By taking proactive steps to address security challenges, Bangladesh can protect its maritime interests and promote a stable and prosperous future for its people.​

---

Shafqat Munir is senior research fellow at Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS).​

 

[Saif]

Why on earth do we need Indian navy's help to free Bangladeshi hostages from Somali pirates? What is Bangladesh navy doing to free the hostages from Somali pirates? In my humble opinion, Bangladesh govt. should allocate money to navy to procure Ocean going frigates and long range maritime patrol aircrafts so that if in future hostage situation arises Bangladesh navy can take action unilaterally to help Bangladeshi sailors.

Pirates move hijacked Bangladeshi ship from last known location: owners

The pirates who hijacked the Bangladeshi-flagged cargo ship MV Abdullah in the Indian Ocean shifted it this afternoon from its last known location near the Somalian coast

www.thedailystar.net

Pirates move hijacked Bangladeshi ship from last known location: owners​

The pirates who hijacked the Bangladeshi-flagged cargo ship MV Abdullah in the Indian Ocean shifted it this afternoon from its last known location near the Somalian coast.

After it was hijacked by pirates suspected to be Somalians around noon (Bangladesh time) on Tuesday, the ship at first anchored around 20 nautical miles off Somalia's Garacad port on Thursday morning.​

​

The ship's latest position was tracked as being anchored around 7 nautical miles off the Somalian port at 7:48pm on Thursday.

Officials of the ship's owning firm KSRM Group confirmed that they got information of the ship's movement today.

Mizanul Islam, media adviser of KSRM, said they got information from a trusted source around 3:30pm that the anchor of the ship was pulled out and that it started moving.

He said the pirates may have considered the zone not secure enough and was trying to shift it to another location.

He however could not say where the ship was headed.

The Indian Navy said an Indian warship and a long-range maritime patrol aircraft were stationed in the vicinity to assist the hostage Bangladeshi ship.

The European Union on Thursday said an EU ship had been deployed to monitor the MV Abdullah.

The pirates have not made any contact with the ship owner or any third party till this evening.

KSRM official Mizanul, however, said they have taken all necessary preparations to act as soon as the pirates make contact.​

 

[Saif]

Reports on Indian Navy’s effort to rescue hijacked BD ship not true: FM

Reports published in some media, which said that the Indian Navy attacked Somali pirates to rescue the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah, are not true at all, foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud told newsmen on Sunday. He said that the government is trying its best to free the hijacked ship and its crew f

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Reports on Indian Navy’s effort to rescue hijacked BD ship not true: FM​

FE ONLINE REPORT

Published :​

Mar 17, 2024 19:49

Updated :​

Mar 17, 2024 21:56

Reports published in some media, which said that the Indian Navy attacked Somali pirates to rescue the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah, are not true at all, foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud told newsmen on Sunday.

He said that the government is trying its best to free the hijacked ship and its crew from the captivity of pirates.

However, he mentioned that too much media coverage on the hijacking of the ship would help the pirates take a hard line.

The pirates may monitor the coverage of this incident, and if they find that the issue is being given huge priority in the media, they may take a tougher position during the negotiation, the minister pointed out.

Urging reporters to be cautious in reporting on this issue, he said some reports said that a sailor of the ship contacted his family through a phone, hidden somewhere in the ship.

“One should understand that such a report may bring dangerous consequences for the crew members,” he added.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the foreign ministry told the FE that the ship, which was anchored near Somalian coast, changed its previous position as the pirates took the ship to another hijacked ship, which needs fuel.

He said that usually the pirates provide food to the hostages, so concerns over food stock is unnecessary.

The representatives of the London-based insurance company, which insured the ship, are now in Bangladesh to make assessments.

The pirates are yet to make any contact with Bangladesh authorities until Sunday, officials said.​

 

[Saif]

Let me reiterate, our navy must have the wherewithal to protect our cargo vessels from sea pirates anywhere in the world. We need to invest more money in procuring frigates with large displacements so that they can conduct rescue operations far off from our coast.

Foreign navies prepare raid; ship-owning firm opposes move

Somali police and international navies were preparing today to raid a Bangladeshi-flagged commercial ship that was hijacked by pirates last week, the Puntland region's police force said.

www.thedailystar.net

Hijacked MV Abdullah​

Foreign navies prepare raid; ship-owning firm opposes move​

Photo: Collected

Somali police and international navies were preparing to raid Bangladeshi-flagged commercial ship MV Abdullah that was hijacked by pirates last week, Reuters reported yesterday citing comments of Somali police.

The ship, with 23 crew members on board, was hijacked off the coast of Somalia last week, the latest of more than 20 attacks since November by Somali pirates who had been dormant for nearly a decade.

On Saturday, the Indian navy rescued another cargo vessel, the Maltese-flagged MV Ruen, which had been seized in December, freeing its 17 crew members and arresting 35 pirates.

The police force from the semi-autonomous region of Somalia's Puntland, a base for many pirate gangs, said it was on high alert and prepared to participate in an operation against the pirates holding the Abdullah, reports Reuters.

"Puntland police forces are ready after they got reports that international navies are planning an attack," the police said in a statement.

India's navy, which has disrupted several other attempted hijackings, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Sunday, the Puntland police said they had seized a vehicle that was transporting narcotics to be supplied to the pirates on board Abdullah.

Meanwhile, a senior official of KSRM, the parent organisation of SR Shipping that owns MV Abdullah, expressed strong opposition against any such forceful intervention.

"The company does not support military action that might endanger the lives of our crew," a senior official of KSRM, the parent organisation of SR Shipping, he told The Daily Star yesterday.

He claimed that the Bangladesh government has strongly requested respective navies not to go for any forceful intervention.

We want to resolve the crisis through negotiation, he added.

On March 12, the pirates attacked MV Abdullah around 1:30pm (Bangladesh time), when it was around 500 nautical miles off the Somali coast, sailing from Maputo in Mozambique to Al Hamriyah in the UAE with 58,000 tonnes of coal.

After reaching near the Somali coast on March 14, the pirates changed the ship's location twice and now anchored the ship around 4 nautical miles off Somalia's Gadabjiran coast, sources said.

However, the pirates were yet to contact the ship's owning firm or any third party for ransom as of yesterday.

Shipping and security experts have said it is not unusual as the pirates may take time to fix the ransom amount and assess the situation.

Two reliable sources told The Daily Star that soon after the hijacking, the ship's UK-based insurer P&I (protection and indemnity) Club engaged a global crisis management firm called Crisis 24 to analyse the situation and chalk out the necessary plans.

On March 16, a senior official of KSRM said pirates made first contact after over two weeks during the hijack of the firm's other ship MV Jahan Moni in 2010.

In December 2010, KSRM's MV Jahan Moni was hijacked by pirates in the Arabian Sea. Twenty-five crew members and the wife of the chief officer were rescued nearly 100 days after they were held hostage.

At the peak of their attacks in 2011, Somali pirates cost the global economy an estimated $7 billion, including hundreds of millions of dollars in ransom payments.​