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CHATTOGRAM, Dec 13, 2025 (BSS) - The graduation parade of the 59th batch of Bangladesh Marine Academy cadets was held at the academy premises here today.

Shipping Ministry's Secretary Dr Nurunnahar Chowdhury, as the chief guest at the event, inspected the parade of cadets and took the salute. 

Subsequently he distributed prices among the trained cadets for the outstanding performances, said a PID press release this evening.

A total of 160 cadet officers obtained the Pre-C certificate in the two-year academic and regimental training. Out of these, 82 are in the nautical branch, including 11 female cadets, and 78 are in the marine engineering 
branch, it said.

After the colorful parade, the chief guest distributed medals among the cadets who achieved excellence in various subjects during the training period.
 
Cadet Miftahul Islam received the President's Gold Medal Award in recognition of the highest achievement in all fields.

Speaking on the occasion, the Shipping Secretary said the government is working to improve the quality of training, recruit skilled trainers, add modern training equipment and expand facilities to produce world-class marine officers and engineers as well.

"Besides, the Shipping Ministry is active in ensuring employment of cadets on domestic and international marine ships and strengthening Bangladesh's position in the international arena," she added.

Dr Nurunnahar also said an infrastructure development project worth Taka 115 crore is being implemented with government funding to upgrade the Bangladesh Marine Academy, established in 1962, to an international standard training institution.

She said the Bangladesh Marine Academy, Chittagong, has been making important contributions to the country's maritime sector for more than six decades.

Academy sources said some 5,860 nautical and marine engineering cadets have received training since its establishment until 2025.

They are earning huge foreign exchange for the country by performing their duties efficiently in various shipping companies and maritime institutions worldwide, she mentioned.

Dr Nurunnahar highlighted the academy's contribution to women's empowerment and said training programmes for women cadets have been ongoing here since 2012.

High officials of various government and private organisations, military and civil officials, and cadet's guardians were present, among others.