Dhaka [Bangladesh], March 18 (ANI): A vessel of Bangladesh's national carrier, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), named 'Banglar Joyjatra,' has been stranded near the Strait of Hormuz due to the war, along with 31 crew members. They have been stuck since the 28th of February and have not been able to leave, said a senior BSC official on Wednesday.

'Bangladesh Shipping Corporation has a total of seven vessels in its fleet, and among them, only the vessel 'Banglar Joyjatra' is currently stationed in the Gulf. Basically, it had gone from India to Qatar with a cargo on the early February and after that, it anchored at the port of Messy and later port of Jebel Ali in Qatar. Then, due to the outbreak of war, it was taken to Rasel al-Qayyum, near the Strait of Hormuz, but because of the war risk, the vessel was then moved from Rasel al-Qayyum to Sharjah', Commodore Mahmudul Malekh, Managing Director, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) told ANI, in an interview.

Rasel al-Qayyum is located very close to the Strait of Hormuz. That's why Bangladesh's intention in keeping the vessel there, to find an opportunity when the time was right, to quickly move the vessel out of the strait. But it was extremely risky there.

'The UAE Coast Guard strongly advised us not to keep the vessel at Rasel al-Qayyum because it would be extremely dangerous. As a result, we have moved it from there, and now it is kept at the facility in Sharjah', he added.

The Middle East has always been one of the most important regions for our business. Under normal circumstances, two to three of our vessels operate in and around the Gulf, ensuring smooth and continuous operations. But this time, we have only one vessel operating in the Middle East. The rest of the fleet--six vessels--are spread across the world. One vessel is operating in the United States, another in Canada, One in Brazil, One in Singapore anf one in Denmark. Together, they continue to maintain our global presence, even during uncertain times', Commodore Malek said.

The Eid festival is the biggest celebration for the Muslim-majority population of Bangladesh. At this time, there is a lot of anxiety and distress among the families of all the sailors who are stranded on the Bangladesh voyage vessel.

'Throughout this entire journey, the safety and security of the vessel Banglar Joyjatra and all 31 crew members have been given special attention. Their morale is being kept high, and there is a sufficient supply of fuel and water. In addition, a few months' worth of food is also stocked. Their morale is high, but since this delay has occurred, especially before the Muslim festival of Eid, there is some anxiety among the families. However, the Bangladesh government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is in contact to ensure they are brought back as soon as possible', he said. (ANI)