Govt has more plans to strengthen Navy's capabilities: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said her government has more plans to enhance the capabilities of Bangladesh Navy further inducting advanced ships, war equipment and technology to the force.

She said: "To further strengthen the capabilities of the Bangladesh Navy, we have plan to adding more advanced ships, modern war equipment and technologies to the force in the future." 

The premier was addressing the winter President Parade of the passing out cadets of the "Midshipman 2019 Alfa" and "DEO 2021 Bravo" at Bangladesh Naval Academy, Potenga in Chattogram, joining virtually from her official resident Ganabhaban here.

She further said Bangladesh Navy has been turned to truly full-fledged "three-dimensional" force through inducting two submarines "BNS Navajatra" and "BNS Joyjatra" in 2017.

She also mentioned that the navy is now enabled to play a stronger role in ensuring the safety of the country's vast maritime areas enriched with natural resources.

The navy is also contributing a lot to preventing human trafficking and smuggling, ensuring security of fishermen, and the safe passage of merchant ships for expansion of the force's capacities, she added.

The premier said work is underway to build a permanent submarine base "BNS Sheikh Hasina" with modern basin facilities at Pekua in Cox's Bazar to provide safe jetty facilities to submarines and warships at the harbour.

Sheikh Hasina said the construction work of the "Sher-e-Bangla Base" has progressed a lot to enhance the operational and communication facilities of the naval vessels in the coastal areas of the south-western Bangladesh.

"In order to build the navy as a modern and regional strong force, the government is taking and implementing realistic plans such as various infrastructural developments, incorporation of warships to the navy and strengthening operational capacity of existing ships," she added.

On behalf of the prime minister, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal distributed prizes among the cadets for their outstanding performance, reported BSS. 

Among the commissioned cadets, Midshipman of 2019/a batch Md. Mohtasim Sifat was awarded "Sword of Honour" as best all-round Midshipman for obtaining highest standard in all fields.

Apart from this, Midshipman Alif Abdullah received "Naval Chief Gold Medal" for acquiring second highest standard in training while Direct Entry Officer of 2021/b batch Acting Sub Lieutenant Md. Abdul Momin got "Birshrestho Shaheed Ruhul Amin Gold Medal" for achieving highest results.

The cadets also took formal oaths on the occasion.

Bangladesh Navy also organised a spectacular parade, marking the ceremony which the prime minister witnessed virtually from the Ganabhaban.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal delivered vote of thanks at the programme.