DHAKA, Dec 8, 2025 (BSS) - The passing out parade of the 4th batch of cadets of Bangladesh Marine Academy (BMA), Pabna-2025, was held at the academy grounds at Nagarbari under Bera Upazila of Pabna.

Shipping Ministry’s Secretary Dr Nurunnahar Chowdhury was present as the chief guest while BMA Commandant of Pabna Captain Md Taufiqul Islam presided over the event.

 After the parade, the chief guest distributed prizes, said a release of the ministry this afternoon.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest said a marine officer earns huge foreign exchange, equivalent to about 50 unskilled workers.

 Therefore, the government is working to make the maritime profession more popular and modernize the training system at present, he mentioned.

Noting that the demand for skilled marine professionals is increasing gradually in the international market, the secretary said the country's five marine academies are playing an important role in this regard.

“Bangladeshi mariners are earning a significant amount of foreign exchange by working on ships in different countries across the globe, directly contributing to the country's economic progress also,” he observed.

This year, a total of 65 cadets, including 33 in the nautical department and 32 in the marine engineering department, took part in the pre-sea course competition, the release added.

Senior cadet Captain Sudipto Chakraborty of the nautical department received the ‘Commandant's Gold Medal’ for achieving the highest standards in all subjects.

Cadet Captain Md Yusuf Hossain Rafid of the nautical department and Cadet Captain Zisan Abedin of the marine engineering department awarded the ‘Commandant's Silver Medal’.

Senior officials of the Shipping Ministry, Bangladesh Maritime University (BMU) and the Department of Shipping, Managing Director of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, military-civilian officials, guardians and local dignitaries, among others, were present there.