Bangladesh Marine Academy

Seafarers' Memorial located at the center of Bangladesh Marine Academy Campus

World scenario was changing fast after the WWII (1939–46). Pakistan along with East Bengal (Bangladesh) became independent in 1947 from British rule. Thereafter, the then Pakistan Government looked into developing various industrial training facilities. As such a scheme for establishing a marine academy beside Bay of Bengal had been sanctioned in 1952. Juldia Point (valleys of Juldia-Rangadia) at the Karnaphuly river-mouth at Bay of Bengal was chosen for the planned academy. Interesting to note that the reason was to create a ‘ship-like environment’ due to geographical location the Juldia Point was considered as it was almost like a ship but not floating! Such suitable facility/location was unique in the country and was not available from Suez to South-East Asian countries except India. (Project Plan – Development of Marine Academy, Phase – II [1973-1980])

Building basic infrastructure commenced. The establishment budget was Taka 31.19 lakhs in 1952, then increased to Taka 53 lakhs in 1959 and finally to Taka 58.3 lakhs in 1961. The initial project was completed with the aim of training 22 Nautical Cadet Officers and 22 Marine Engineering Cadet Officers. The new-built ‘Mercantile Marine Academy’ went into functioning from 3 September 1962.

Afterwards, during our Great Liberation War 1971 the then Pakistan Government shifted the Academy's function to Karachi leaving this Academy abandoned. Immediately after liberation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman resumed it as Marine Academy with appointing Capt. (Merchant Marine) M L Rahman as the Commandant (first Bangalee Commandant). Bangabandhu also took a project titled "Development of Marine Academy (1973-1980)" and could raise the Academy at the forefront of maritime professional excellence in South Asia.[1][2]

Now there are four more newly established Marine Academy in Barisal, Pabna, Sylhet and Rangpur in Bangladesh join with Marine Academy Chattogram.[3] In 2020-2021 session there are total 11 Bangladeshi Marine Institutes future cadets to be seated together for admission like medical college admission test as per Department of Shipping (DoS) admission circular.[4]

Campus map, Bangladesh Marine Academy

The campus area is 100 acres. The campus includes:

• Two jetties at the both side of river Karnaphuly.
• Parade ground, football grounds, basketball grounds, volleyball grounds.
• Cadet Block and post-sea block, Commandant's house, Instructors houses
• Separate dining hall for cadets and instructors.
• Admin block, Instructional block, Eletro-navigational block, Workshop, auditorium
• Marine Academy primary School, Marine academy School and College
• Swimming pool, lake, recreation hill.
• Bangladesh Maritime Museum, Seafarers' Memorial

• Capt. Muhammad Zakaria -graduated 1964.
• Abdul Awal Mintoo -graduated 1968.

• Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Academy
• Bangladesh Naval Academy