Bangladesh Urges UK to Ease Visas for Seafarers Boost Investment

Shipping Railways and Road Transport Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has urged the UK to expedite and simplify transit and seafarer-related visas for Bangladeshi mariners working on international vessels.

During a bilateral meeting in London on Thursday with UK Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, he also called for increased British investment in Bangladesh’s maritime sector, including shipbuilding, port development, and marine engineering. A Shipping Ministry press release confirmed the development on Friday.

Conveying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s greetings, Sheikh Rabiul Alam highlighted Bangladesh's transition toward democracy, good governance, and the rule of law following recent fair elections. He thanked the UK for its historic support and emphasized strengthening bilateral ties through public-private partnerships and technology transfer.

The Minister also affirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to green shipping and the Hong Kong International Convention for safe ship recycling. He noted that 27 out of 42 domestic ship recycling yards have already achieved international standards, with the rest currently being upgraded. Furthermore, he reiterated Bangladesh's active cooperation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to cut greenhouse gas emissions and develop sustainable maritime transport systems.

Following the meeting, Sheikh Rabiul Alam invited the UK Transport Minister to visit Bangladesh, as both nations vowed to expand cooperation across transport, railways, trade, and investment.