Dhaka, April 17 -- The Bangladesh-flagged vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra has set sail toward the Strait of Hormuz from the outer anchorage of Mina Saqr port in the United Arab Emirates, following an official announcement by Iran that the strategic waterway is fully open for commercial traffic.

The state-owned Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) confirmed that the vessel lifted anchor at approximately 9pm Bangladesh time on Friday.

Commodore Mahmudul Malek, managing director of BSC, told bdnews24.com: "The ship is currently about 20 nautical miles from the Strait. We expect it to cross the passage tonight once final clearance is secured."

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