Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) celebrated its 51st founding anniversary. This organisation was established as the only state-owned company operating commercial ships in international seas by Presidential Decree No. 10 on February 5, 1972. On this occasion, cake cutting and discussion meeting was organized at BSC building on Sunday.
Later in the discussion meeting, the newly appointed managing director of the company, Commodore Ziaul Haque, said, "At present, BSC is a profitable institution in the transport sector of the government. In the financial year 2021-22, BSC earned Tk 225 crore, BSC's activities will be further expanded through the addition of more new ships to BSC's fleet in the future, in view of which BSC will play an important role in the economic development of the country along with earning more profit and creating jobs.
He said these things at the discussion meeting organized on the occasion of 51st founding anniversary of BSC on Sunday. The anniversary cake was cut on the occasion.
Inspired by Bangabandhu's ideals and patriotism, BSC chairman called upon the officers and employees of the organization to fulfil their responsibilities properly to ensure the partnership of the people and the government in sea transportation by continuing the development of BSC.
The program was supervised by BSC Deputy Secretary and General Manager (Administration) Mohammad Ashraful Amin.
According to BSC sources, the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman established Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), the only state-owned company operating commercial ships on international sea routes, on February 5, 1972, within 25 days of his return home, to ensure the partnership of the people and the government in sea transportation. Realizing the importance of maritime trade in a coastal country, after the formation of the government, he kept the responsibility of the Ministry of Shipping in his hands to carry out all the activities of foreign trade properly.
At the time of BSC's inception in 1972, the institution had no ships of its own. With the concerted efforts of Bangabandhu and the support of the then Prime Minister of India and true friend of Bangladesh, Indira Gandhi, the cargo ship 'Banglar Doot' was joined as the first ship of BSC.
Since 'Banglar Shikha' was added to the company's fleet in 1992, no more ships have been added in the long 27 years. After 27 years, 6 new vessels (3 new oil-chemical tankers of about 39000 DWT each and 3 new bulk carriers) were added to BSC's fleet with loan assistance from the Chinese government through the efforts of Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the first ship 'Banglar Joyjatra' on 1 November 2018 and the remaining five ships on 28 November 2019. The ships are proudly carrying the flag of Bangladesh in the international maritime environment.
