In celebration of the International Day of the Seafarer 2026, the Bangladesh Maritime Law Society (BMLS) conferred its prestigious “Women at Sea Recognition Award” upon two officers of the 38th Batch of the Bangladesh Marine Academy (BMA). The awards were presented in a ceremony that underscored the Society’s unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and gender equality within the maritime sector, while honouring the extraordinary achievements of women who are redefining a profession historically dominated by men.

The recipients of this year’s award are Ms. Nishda Jahan Sarker and Ms. Lovely Das. They were recognized for their exceptional dedication, unwavering professionalism, and significant contributions to the global shipping industry.

Ms. Nishda Jahan Sarker is currently serving as a 3rd Officer with Hafnia, a prominent tanker company under the BW Group in Singapore and Ms. Lovely Das serves as a 3rd Engineer with the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC).

The Bangladesh Maritime Law Society Women at Sea Recognition Awards were presented by Captain M. Zakaria, Former Commandant, Bangladesh Marine Academy, and Chief Engineer Dr. Sajid Hussain CEng, Former Commandant, Bangladesh Marine Academy, in recognition of the outstanding contribution of these young women seafarers to the maritime industry.

The awards reflect BMLS’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender equality within the maritime sector while encouraging the next generation of women maritime professionals. By recognizing these young women seafarers at an early stage of their careers, the Society celebrates their dedication, professionalism, resilience, and leadership potential. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring women to pursue careers at sea and contribute to a more diverse, inclusive, and progressive maritime industry.

BMLS congratulates both award recipients and reaffirms its commitment to advancing excellence, diversity, and equal opportunities within the maritime profession while encouraging more women to pursue rewarding careers at sea.