Govt vows to bring back sailors at any cost: Khalid

The government is determined to bring back the sailors of the Bangladeshi ship held hostage by pirates in Somali waters, said State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury.

He also claimed that due steps are being taken in this regard.

He was responding to the questions of journalists at the beginning of the meeting to take measures to ensure smooth movement of ferries, steamers, launches and water vessels and the safety of passengers during the coming Eid-ul-Fitr at the secretariat on Wednesday (13 March).

Bangladeshi flag ship MV Abdullah has been captured by pirates in the Indian Ocean. The ship was carrying coal from the African country of Mozambique to Dubai. Some 23 crew were on the ship.

When asked about the progress of rescuing the hijacked ship, the minister said, “We are determined to bring our sailors back to Bangladesh at any cost.”