[SMC Magazine ‘নোঙর’] Bangladeshi Mariners in Australia – A Factual Overview: Dilwar Ali (6)

Posted by MA Baten On June 12, 2014 0 Comment

Prior to 1990, there was a scarce number of Bangladeshi Mariners in Australia. The preponderance of migrants arrived to this great country between the years of 1990 to 1995.

The statistical summary that constitutes Bangladeshi Mariners in Australia is as follows:
–   One from the 1st Batch, and I am from the 6th Batch.
–   All other Mariners are from the 9th to 38th Batch.
–   A total of 110 Bangladeshi Mariners have been Australianised, with about 5% of this population are non-Juldian.

The geographical dispersion of the Mariners is:
•   58 in Sydney, New South Wales.
•   33 in Melbourne, Victoria.
•   6 in Perth, Western Australia
•   5 in Brisbane, Queensland.
•   3 in Darwin, Northern Territory.
•   5 in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.
Note: there are a few (unaccounted for) Bangladeshi Mariners working in WA and NT, who are here on working visas.

The complete population of Australian-Bangladeshi Mariners are employed – not a single Mariner who is unemployed. It is with gratification that I inform you that all Mariners in Australia are esteemed, affluent (relative to the average quality of life in Australia) and lead a prosperous lifestyle.

In terms of employment profile:
–   Few Mariners have pursued the path of Business Ownerships.
–   Few Mariners have sought employment with overseas shipping companies.
–   Majority of Mariners:

6 weeks on/off rotations with Coastal Shipping Companies.
Classification/Regulatory Organisations.
Government Marine Department (AMSA).
Property Development and Maintenance– Domestic and Commercial.

Our community is a tight, close-knit, with an integrated social support network. The unity amongst us is infallible, where there is measured discipline, understanding, and congruence. Above all, the most important community trait that we possess – respect for each other. Social amity and relationships have been enduring since 1995. Naturally, we are the envy amongst other Bangladeshi social groupings in Australia.

Every few years, we conduct an Australia-wide reunion of all Bangladeshi Marines. The videos for the last reunion are provided for your entertainment: