Replying to a question from MM Shaheen, Major (Rtd) Hafiz said the process was underway to procure four submarines by 2012, which would give the navy a three-dimensional base.

The minister said besides commissioning submarines and other warships, two maritime patrol aircraft would also be added to the naval fleet.

Missiles, torpedo counter-measure system, long-range surface to air missiles and a helicopter that can operate from ships will also be procured to increase the combat-power of the existing ships of the Bangladesh Navy.

Hafiz said the warships and other of purchase would cost about Tk 1,911 crore, the four submarines accounting for Tk 1,200 crore.

An agreement was signed with the British Royal Navy for purchasing five offshore patrol vessels, he told the House, adding three of those had already joined the fleet of Bangladesh Navy and the remaining two were expected to arrive by May.

Besides, a large patrol vessel will be constructed at Khulna Shipyard and process is on to procure six patrol crafts and four missile corvettes. A plan is also there to replace three old frigates with new ones bought from friendly countries, the minister in charge said.

The purchase list for the navy also includes surface to air missiles with base facilities, one helicopter and helicopter handling system and one torpedo-counter measure system for DW 2000 H frigate and a combat data link for the BN Osman.

Hafiz also informed the House that a patrol craft, a hydrographic survey ship and two speedy gunboats bought from South Korea had already been commissioned in the naval fleet.

He said there was also a plan to procure 16 multi-role fighters, 12 fighter trainer planes and three MI-17 helicopters for the Air Force within the current fiscal year.

The cost for arms, fighter planes and other necessary equipment to be purchased for army and air force could not be ascertained as final agreement for the deals are yet to be signed, he added.

Replying to a question, Hafiz admitted the inadequacy of manpower in the armed forces and explained that financial constraints barred them from going for more recruitment. "We don't believe in quantity, but in quality," he said, claiming that the personnel in the armed forces were getting good training from different military institutions.

Answering to another supplementary question from Ebadur Rahman Chowdhury, the minister said investigation had proved corruption by the previous Awami League government in purchasing frigate and MIG-29 fighter planes and charge sheets were framed accusing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina for her involvement in the deals.