Muhammad TariQul; DHAKA – Despite hopes of a safe passage following an announcement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra was forced to retreat once again. After sailing for only a few hours on Friday night, the ship received radio orders from Iranian forces to return to the Persian Gulf.
Denied Entry Despite Reopening Claims
Captain Shafiqul Islam Khan confirmed the incident via WhatsApp, stating, “We set sail on Friday night to cross Hormuz after hearing that restrictions were being lifted. However, the Iranian forces denied us permission to pass. We are now heading back to a safe anchorage in the Persian Gulf.”
Earlier that night, Commodore Mahmudul Malek, Managing Director of BSC, had expressed optimism, noting that the vessel had entered the Strait around 11:50 PM Bangladesh time and was expected to clear the passage by 3:00 AM.
Mass Retreat of Vessels
Data from the ship-tracking website Marine Traffic showed that following Iran’s announcement to open the strait, over a hundred stranded vessels began moving at full speed. However, by 12:45 AM, the site reflected a sudden shift: the entire fleet, including the Banglar Joyjatra, had turned back toward the Persian Gulf.
Third Failed Attempt
The Banglar Joyjatra has been stationed in the Persian Gulf since February 2. This marks the third unsuccessful attempt to bring the vessel home or move it to its next destination. Currently, the ship is carrying approximately 37,000 tons of fertilizer loaded from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Al Khair port, destined for Cape Town, South Africa.
The vessel remains in a state of uncertainty as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints.