I passed out from Marine Academy, Juldia Chittagong in June 1965 and joined Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) in July, same year as Marine Engineering Apprentice along with eight other ex-cadets of the Academy.
It was probably the month of August or September of 1965. One day, at 6:30 AM, I punched my attendance card at the entrance gate of Shipyard and met late Mahfuzul Haq (2-E). He told me sadly that Jehangir Habib had passed away.
Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Elaihe Rajeun.
(Surely, we belong to Allah and surely to Him we shall return.)
I was shocked and at first could believe the news. I then asked our friend C F Zaman (2-E) who said, “we too could not believe but the tragic death of Jehangir Habib was true.” All the mariners were extremely sad. A condolence meeting was held at Jacob Lines where Bengali apprentices were residing. Prayers were also offered for the salvation of Jehangir Habib’s
soul.
The sudden death of late Jehangir Habib was extremely tragic and untimely. He had joined a Pakistani ship as Nautical cadet. He was hardly 22 years old and had just started his shipping career. His ship was at mooring in Chalna Port. Jehangir Habib along with three crew members (including one third engineer) went ashore. When they came back by boat and while boarding the ship, they somehow slipped, fell off and were taken away by the cruel waves of Pusur River.
All of them were drowned and lost their lives. I still remember that late Jehangir Habib was the last candidate to be interviewed for selection to the 2nd Batch of cadets. The interviews were
conducted in an office in Mitijheel (Dhaka) by the Commandant (Commodore M. Asif Alavi), Commander M Ansari and Lt. Commander Asrarullah. (All candidates were of East Pakistan domicile. I was the only candidate having West Pakistan domicile). When the interviews were over, the Commandant assembled all the candidates and delivered a speech highlighting life in Merchant Navy.
Late Jehangir Habib was a sober and intelligent cadet. He was very good in general knowledge and represented his Division when quiz competitions were held in the Academy. He belonged to Mymensingh, his house was close to the boys high school and his father was the headmaster. During mid-term holidays in the Academy, I would spend most of my holiday time in Dhaka. On Jehangir Habib’s invitation, I went from Dhaka to Mymensingh by train and spent one day with him. We both went to visit Agriculture University.
We met two students from West Pakistan (studying under students exchange programme) | knew these boys who entertained us with delicious lunch. We went to the Mymensingh Medical College also and met students hailing from West Pakistan. This Institution was previously a medical school, granting LSMF degree, after completing four years of studies. However, later on this Institution was converted into a full-fledged medical college conferring MBBS degree to students on completion of five years studies.
It was my first and last visit to Mymensingh and I enjoyed it fully with the sincere hospitality of Jehangir Habib. He took me around Mymensingh city and entertained me with tasty cham cham at a sweets shop. We visited his father’s high school which was closed due to holidays. I still remember the manual fans hanging from ceiling in every class room. With the help of ropes these fans were moved, side to side to give air to students. Jehangir Habib passed away six decades ago but his pleasant memory is still alive in our hearts. May his soul rest in eternity.
Mubashir Ahmed (Khan), London 05.09.2026
Email: mubashira2050@gmail.com
From Sajid Hussain (15E):
Respected Mubashir Sir (2E) and C F Zaman Sir (2E),
Thank you, Mubashir Ahmed Sir and C F Zaman Sir, for sharing such a touching remembrance of our alumnus late respected Jehangir Habib Sir of the 2nd Batch. Your recollections brought back memories of a young, humble and intelligent colleague whose life and maritime career were tragically cut short. Although I was then in my infancy.
What touched most was the way you remembered not only his tragic death, but also the person he was—humble, intelligent, friendly and full of promise. C F Zaman Sir’s recollection of the shock and disbelief among his batchmates makes the tragedy feel as though it happened only yesterday.
Six decades have passed, yet Jehangir Habib Sir’s memory remains alive. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of our Marine Academy family—the friendships formed in our youth remain in our hearts throughout our lives. Sadly, we have lost many of our mariner colleagues and friends over the years, some far too early. Each loss reminds us to value the friendships and memories we still have.
May Allah grant Late Jehangir Habib Sir and all our departed colleagues Jannatul Ferdous, and give their families peace and comfort.
With heartfelt prayers and warm regards,
Sajid Hussain 15E
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