Photo: BSS

 
RANGPUR, Dec 15, 2025 (BSS) - The graduation parade of the 4th batch of cadets of Bangladesh Marine Academy located in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur was held in a festive atmosphere on Monday. 
 
Additional Secretary (Administration) of the Ministry of Shipping Delwara Begum was present as the chief guest at the parade ceremony organized at the academy premises and inspected the parade of cadets, took salute and distributed medals. 
 
A total of 61 cadet officers of the 4th batch of Bangladesh Marine Academy obtained Pre-C certificates this year after completing their two-year academic and regimental training. 
 
Among them, 28 are in the nautical branch and 33 are in the marine engineering branch. 
 
After the colorful parade, the chief guest distributed medals to the cadets who achieved excellence in various fields. 
 
Senior Cadet Captain Zilhazur Rahman Arnab received the Commandant Gold Medal for achieving excellence in all subjects among the cadets. 
 
Cadet Captain Khandaker Sabitul Islam of the nautical department and Cadet Captain Omar Faruk of the engineering department received the Commandant Silver Medal for obtaining the highest marks in all subjects. 
 
Speaking as the chief guest at the event, the Additional Secretary said that Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing economies in the world where 90 percent of the country's total trade is conducted by sea route. 
 
“The trained cadets are currently performing their duties with professionalism, excellence and courage on national and international sea-going ships,” she said.  
 
Addressing the cadets, she said that the country's image in the maritime sector should be enhanced by utilizing the knowledge and skills acquired through training. 
 
She especially encouraged the cadets present to play a role in achieving the country's economic growth by performing their duties with honesty and confidence. 
 
Mentioning the role of the Marine Academy, she said that the academy's instructors provide training by following the guidelines prepared by 176 countries surrounded by the sea to produce skilled sailors. 
 
Like the Philippines, she mentioned the various initiatives being taken at the government and private levels in Bangladesh to achieve success in the maritime sector and utilize the blue economy. 
 
“The Ministry of Shipping has taken the initiative to install state-of-the-art simulators in each of the country’s four new marine academies to provide up-to-date training to the cadets,” she mentioned.
 
Rangpur Marine Academy Commandant Captain Md Shahed Sattar said in his welcome speech that the marine academies are playing an important role in producing skilled marine officers and engineers. 
 
He urged the cadets to fulfill their duties with utmost professionalism and ethics by utilising the education and training acquired from the Bangladesh Marine Academy. 
 
Officials of various government and private organizations, military and civilian officials, guardians of the cadets and journalists were present at the event. 
 
Since the establishment of the Bangladesh Marine Academy in Rangpur, 241 nautical and marine engineering cadets have received training in four batches until 2025. 
 
They are working efficiently in various shipping companies and maritime organizations worldwide.