A roundtable in Dhaka, organized by YoungShip Bangladesh in collaboration with the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network, addressed the urgent need to combat corruption and enhance transparency in Bangladesh’s maritime industry.

Mr. Saif Rahman, Director of Shun Shing Group Bangladesh, highlighted common issues such as delays, bribery, and unnecessary expenses related to government permits and document processing. He also pointed out the vulnerability of the sector to manipulation due to the lack of transparency, particularly with invoice manipulation and under-invoicing by importers. Mr. Saif Rahman, along with other speakers, emphasized the need for strong anti-corruption policies and training programs to encourage ethical practices in the industry.

Other notable participants included Commodore (Retd) Syed Ariful Islam, Project Head of Maritime Anti-Corruption Network Bangladesh; Farida Yesmin, Country Head of APL Logistics; and Obaidul Bashir, Chief Engineer and Ship Surveyor at the Department of Shipping.

Tanjil Ahmed Ruhullah, President of YoungShip Bangladesh, emphasized the role of ethical shipping in enhancing Bangladesh’s global competitiveness. Yusuf Mahbubul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Southeast University, spoke on the importance of education and strong leadership to promote transparency in the industry.