Banglar Joyjatra again in Hormuz crisis
Banglar Joyjatra, a Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) vessel, has once again been denied permission to cross the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran’s earlier announcement that the vital shipping route had reopened to commercial traffic.
The fertiliser-laden vessel attempted the passage late on Friday night but was forced to turn back after receiving a directive from Iranian naval
authorities.
Banglar Joyjatra, which departed from the anchorage area near Sharjah port in the United Arab Emirates at around 9 pm Bangladesh time, heading towards the Strait of Hormuz, officials said.
The vessel, along with several other commercial ships, proceeded towards the narrow waterway without obtaining formal clearance from Iranian authorities.
A senior BSC official said the ship entered the strait at approximately 11:50pm and was expected to cross into the Gulf of Oman in the early hours of Saturday.
However, at around 12:30am, the Iranian Navy issued a radio message instructing all vessels to halt movement immediately, shut down their engines, and await further permission from the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The official added that the Iranian Navy warned any vessel disobeying the order would be held responsible for potential consequences, including possible attacks.
Following the directive, Banglar Joyjatra withdrew from the strait and returned to a safe anchorage in the Persian Gulf.
The vessel, which has a crew of 31 members on board, is currently holding position approximately 18 nautical miles from the strait, awaiting clearance to proceed.
BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek confirmed the development to the media, stating that the situation remained under close monitoring.
Meanwhile, Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said the government had taken the matter seriously and was working to resolve it through diplomatic channels.
Speaking to journalists after attending the graduation parade of the 28th batch of ratings at the National Maritime Institute in Chattogram, he emphasised that efforts were underway to ensure a swift solution.
“The issue is being handled with priority at the diplomatic level to ensure a quick resolution,” the minister said.
“We are treating the matter with importance. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing so that the issue can be resolved quickly,” he added.
The incident comes amid continued uncertainty in the region following recent tensions involving Iran.
Although Tehran had earlier announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after a ceasefire declared on April 8, the latest development suggests that restrictions on maritime movement remain in place, particularly without explicit approval from Iranian authorities, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Banglar Joyjatra, which is carrying fertiliser, has been stranded in the Persian Gulf for nearly 50 days since the outbreak of the Iran conflict.
The vessel had made two previous attempts to cross the strait but failed to secure permission on both occasions.
Earlier, following the ceasefire announcement, the ship departed Ras Al Khair port in Saudi Arabia on April 8.
However, it was denied passage near the strait on April 10 and subsequently took shelter near Sharjah.
Prior to its latest attempt, BSC had instructed the vessel to prepare for departure and seek necessary clearance before proceeding towards Fujairah in the UAE for bunkering operations.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime routes for global oil and trade, has long been a flashpoint during regional conflicts.
Any disruption to navigation through the narrow channel carries significant implications for international shipping and energy supplies.
Officials said discussions were ongoing at multiple levels to facilitate the vessel’s onward journey, but no timeline has yet been confirmed for when clearance might be granted.
