Dhaka, July 2 -- Claiming that the country's vital marine sector is heading a deep crisis, mariners on Wednesday demanded the government cancel its plan to issue CDCs (Continuous Discharge Certificates) to diploma holders, among other measures to safeguard the industry.

The Bangladesh Mariners' Community organised a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, where they voiced their five-point demand aimed at protecting the livelihoods of Bangladeshi seafarers and preserving the sector's international standing.

They said the marine sector brings in nearly USD 750 million annually in foreign remittance, but is now facing threats due to visa complications, administrative inefficiencies, and unclear policies that are hinderin...