News Desk

A Bangladesh-flagged cargo vessel has once again been forced to halt its journey in the strategically critical the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring ongoing maritime uncertainty in the region despite a recent ceasefire between Iran and the United States.

The vessel, MV Banglar Joyjatra, owned by the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, has been anchored in the Persian Gulf after Iranian authorities denied it permission to transit through the strait. The ship is carrying 31 Bangladeshi sailors and had resumed its voyage shortly after the ceasefire came into effect on April 8.

According to crew members, the vessel approached the Strait of Hormuz on the night of April 9 and requested clearance via radio communication. However, Iranian authorities declined the request, forcing the ship to halt its progress. Chief Engineer Rashedul Hasan stated that the vessel initially reached a point approximately 60 nautical miles from the strait before moving an additional 30 nautical miles forward to a safer anchorage location in international waters.

“We are currently stationed at a position where we can proceed quickly if permission is granted,” Hasan said, noting that the vessel would require roughly three to three-and-a-half hours to complete the passage once clearance is obtained. He added that multiple ships are currently gathered in the surrounding waters, awaiting safe passage through the narrow maritime corridor.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital chokepoints for global energy supplies, handling a significant portion of international oil shipments. Any disruption or restriction in its transit routes can have far-reaching implications for global trade and energy markets.

Despite the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, tensions in the broader region remain high. Continued Israeli military activity in Lebanon has reportedly contributed to Iran’s decision to maintain strict control over maritime movements in the strait, reflecting lingering geopolitical instability.

The MV Banglar Joyjatra had been operating in Gulf waters since early April, transporting cargo between regional ports. Originally, the vessel was scheduled to return following a directive issued by the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation on March 11. However, earlier restrictions prevented its departure.

Subsequently, the ship loaded approximately 37,000 tonnes of fertiliser from Ras Al Khair port in Saudi Arabia, with its final destination set for Cape Town in South Africa. The delay has raised concerns over delivery timelines and operational costs, as prolonged anchorage continues to impact shipping schedules.

Vessel-tracking data indicates that some ships have successfully navigated the strait following the ceasefire, suggesting that transit approvals are being granted selectively. For now, the MV Banglar Joyjatra remains in a holding pattern, awaiting authorization to proceed through one of the world’s most sensitive maritime routes.