CHATTOGRAM: State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said the officers and ratings are being trained keeping the international standard in mind as the shipping industry is going through rapid development following digitalisation.

He said this while addressing as the chief guest the passing out ceremony of the 24th Batch (Chattogram) and 13th Batch (Madaripur branch) Pre-Sea Ratings at National Maritime Institute (NMI) in the city on Sunday.

It opened the door for advanced training for the concerned officers and ratings of the Bangladeshi shipping sector, he said.  Khalid Mahmud also informed that all the ongoing construction work of Madaripur branch is almost completed and is awaiting the inauguration.

Besides, planning is going on to set up Kurigram branch of NMI soon for the people of the northern part of the country, he added.

Later, the state minister inaugurated the newly constructed Sheikh Russel Simulator Building and Jame Mosque of the institute.              Department of Shipping Director General (DG) Commodore Md. Nizamul Haque was present as special guest.

He said the maritime sector of the country developed significantly under the leadership of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

At least five government and seven private maritime training institutes have been established to create skilled manpower in the shipbuilding industry and expand the shipping business, he said.

He thanked the guests and congratulated the awardees of the programme.

A total of 297 ratings completed their training from the institution this time.

All Round Rating Md Atikur Rahman Tutul was awarded gold medal on behalf of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, and Parade Commander Md Ismail Hossain received silver medal on behalf of Messer’s Haque and Sons Limited for the Best Ground Drill.