Staff Reporter :
Captain ABM Shamim, the Commandant of Bangladesh Marine Academy in Chattogram, currently holds dual roles: one as the Commandant of the Marine Academy and another as a Councilor at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London. Despite being promoted to Commandant on October 4, 2023, he has yet to take up his new post and remains stationed in London as a Councilor.
Captain Shamim’s appointment to the IMO role dates back to July 2022, when he was Deputy Commandant. Following his promotion, he was instructed by the Ministry of Shipping (MoS) to return to Bangladesh to assume his new responsibilities. However, despite the promotion, he has continued to delay his return to Bangladesh, leading to confusion and disruptions in the functioning of the academy. On October 28, 2023, the MoS issued another order allowing Captain Shamim to remain in London while also holding the post of Commandant at the academy.
Currently, an engineering instructor is acting as the temporary Commandant of the academy. However, maritime experts have expressed concern over the irregularities caused by one person holding two key positions. They argue that this situation is disrupting the maritime education program and affecting maritime security, as the academy’s leadership is absent.
A deputy secretary at the MoS is reportedly involved in the questionable decision to allow Captain Shamim to hold both positions. This has raised questions as to why the ministry has allowed the post of Commandant to remain vacant, especially when the academy is responsible for the education of 200 students. In addition, there is a shortage of instructors at the academy, leading to visiting lecturers struggling to complete the syllabus, according to maritime trainees.
Further inquiries reveal that the position of Commandant at the academy is ranked at grade three in the national pay scale, while the IMO Councilor post in London is grade four. Despite the lower rank, Captain Shamim is receiving a salary of £9,000 (about 12 lakh BDT) per month in his role in London, funded by the Government of Bangladesh. Additionally, his family resides in London, where his children benefit from the opportunity to study.
Maritime experts have questioned the necessity of having a permanent Councilor at the IMO, suggesting that the position could be eliminated. They believe it is more critical to fill the vacant Commandant post at the academy, as the prolonged absence of its head is hindering the institution’s operations.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Captain Shamim’s continued occupation of the Commandant post has blocked the promotion of junior officers. Over the past 13 years, the academy has been led by a series of contractual appointees, creating instability in its leadership.
Concerns have also emerged regarding the misuse of funds allocated for the IMO meetings. An audit report and the Divisional Controller of Accounts have highlighted discrepancies, including allegations that the IMO Councilor was often absent from important sessions while instead attending to protocol duties assigned by the High Commissioner.
Additionally, maritime funds intended for official purposes were allegedly used for entertainment expenses involving visiting high officials from Bangladesh.
The ongoing situation has raised alarm within the maritime community, with calls for the MoS to address the leadership vacuum at the Marine Academy and ensure that the institution’s management is stabilised.