Highlights
- Bangladeshi vessel Banglar Joyjatra denied passage through Strait of Hormuz
- Iran rejects permission despite ongoing Middle East ceasefire
- Ship instructed to return to Sharjah port for safety
- 31 crew members remain safe with sufficient food and water
- Diplomatic efforts ongoing to secure passage
A vessel of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, Banglar Joyjatra, has been denied permission to cross the Strait of Hormuz despite a ceasefire in the Middle East. The matter was confirmed by BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek.
Ship Forced to Change Course
After being stranded for around 40 days due to regional conflict, the ship departed Saudi Arabia’s Ras Al Khair port following the ceasefire. However, after nearly 40 hours of sailing, it approached the Strait of Hormuz on Friday morning (April 10) and requested permission from Iran. The request was rejected, and the ship was instructed to return to Sharjah Port for safety.
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Official Statement
Mahmudul Malek said:
“ইরান সরকারের দেওয়া নির্দেশনা মেনে হরমুজ প্রণালি পার হওয়ার অনুমতি চাওয়া হয়েছিল। তবে তারা তা প্রত্যাখ্যান করেছে। কূটনৈতিক চ্যানেলে অনুমতি আদায়ের প্রচেষ্টা এখনও অব্যাহত আছে।”
Translation: “We sought permission to cross the Strait of Hormuz following Iranian instructions, but it was rejected. Efforts are ongoing through diplomatic channels.”
Crew Safety and Supplies
The ship has 31 crew members onboard, and authorities confirmed:
- Adequate food supplies are available
- The vessel can produce 18 tons of fresh water daily
- Water use has been reduced to 6 tons per day through rationing
To maintain morale, daily food allowance for each crew member has been increased from $7 to $12, along with additional war allowances.
Background of the Journey
The ship had entered the Persian Gulf on February 2 after crossing the Strait of Hormuz from India. Later, it transported steel coils from Qatar and reached Jebel Ali port in the UAE on February 27. Soon after, tensions escalated following attacks involving the United States and Israel on Iran, triggering wider regional conflict.
Restricted Movement Through Hormuz
According to reports citing Iranian sources, under the current ceasefire conditions:
- Only up to 15 ships are allowed to pass daily
- Each vessel requires prior approval from Iran
- Strict protocols must be followed
This new system is being overseen by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Source: Somoy TV
