Published : 05 Mar 2026, 07:32 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:26 PM
Bangladesh state-owned flag carrier “MV Banglar Joyjatra” has been left stranded at the Port of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates for seven days with 31 Bangladeshi sailors on board amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The crew of the Bangladeshi vessel say they are passing days of fear as they witness missile and drone attacks in the skies near the port almost every day. Though life at sea is already difficult, the sailors say they are now “gambling with their lives” in the midst of the war.
The vessel has been anchored at Terminal 10 of Jebel Ali Port in Dubai since Thursday, Feb 27. It is currently unloading steel coils, according to sources.
Captain Md Shafiqul Islam Khan of MV Banglar Joyjatra told bdnews24.com on Wednesday night, “The war began after our ship arrived at Jebel Ali Port. Last Saturday, a missile struck an oil reservoir about 200 metres from where our ship is positioned.”
“After that incident we all became worried. Since then, we have been seeing missiles and drones flying across the Dubai sky from the ship, and explosions in the air. At times we can also hear blasts from somewhere near the port,” he said.
Shafiqul said the sailors initially became frightened but gradually managed to compose themselves.
“Life on a ship is already very hard, but in such a situation we are literally living with our lives on the line.”
The state-owned vessel of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) arrived at the outer anchorage of Jebel Ali Port on Feb 26 carrying 38,800 tonnes of steel coils from Mesaieed Port. It docked at Terminal 10 the following day.
After remaining idle for three days, the unloading of cargo began. The vessel was originally scheduled to return to Qatar to load new cargo after completing the unloading.
The vessel has been chartered to a foreign company for 10 months. Although it is unloading cargo at Jebel Ali Port, its next destination remains uncertain due to the war. It is also unclear where the sailors will head after the unloading process is completed.
Captain Shafiqul said although the sailors were initially shaken after the conflict broke out, they have continued to perform their duties professionally.
“Our morale remains strong. There is sufficient drinking water, food and fuel on board for the crew.”
He said the Bangladesh government, the BSC and the Bangladeshi embassy in the UAE have been maintaining regular contact since the war broke out and have committed assistance in any situation.
In response to a question, he said the vessel’s next destination had been fixed as Qatar after unloading the cargo, but that plan has now been suspended due to the conflict.
“Once the steel coils are fully unloaded in a few days, the company that chartered the ship will decide our next destination.”
Describing the situation at the port, he said Jebel Ali is one of the largest ports in the Middle East and about 100 vessels are currently docked there.
“Normal port operations are continuing. If the situation deteriorates, all the sailors will move to a safe place.”
Over a career spanning 33 years at sea, Shafiqul has served as a captain for the past 18 years. Still, he describes this as the most difficult time of his maritime career. His wife and children live in Chandpur and are worried about his safety.
“Due to the war, the families of all the sailors are worried about them. To ease their concerns, the sailors speak with their families by phone every day. Everyone’s morale remains strong.”
Managing Director of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation Commodore Mahmudul Malek told bdnews24.com on Thursday that all the sailors on board were safe.
“The unloading of cargo from the vessel has been continuing for a third day. It will take a few more days to complete. We are maintaining regular contact with them and informing them about necessary steps,” he said.
