Two subs by next year

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said two submarines would be inducted in Bangladesh Navy by the middle of the next year to turn it into a three-dimensional force.

“Two submarines would be added to Bangladesh Navy by the middle of the next year as a process to this end has been finalized,” she told the President Parade at the parade ground of Bangladesh Naval Academy in Chittagong.

The programme was organised to mark the passing out of Midshipman-2014/A and DEO 2015/B batches of the academy.

A total of 53 midshipmen, including one from Sri Lanka, and 24 direct entry officers (DEO) were commissioned this year.

Hasina said setting up of a submarine base was underway, while the construction work of the country's biggest naval base with aviation facilities began at Rabnabad of Patuakhali.

The construction work of Bangabandhu Complex was underway at the naval academy. Besides, corvette ships Pratya and Swadhinata were being built in China and the US-made frigate “Samudra Abhijan” would be inducted in Bangladesh Navy next month, she added.

The government has a plan to establish a museum named “Bijoy Taranga” on the confluence of the Karnaphuli in memories of the naval commandos who made supreme sacrifice during the Liberation War, noted the PM.

She urged the newly commissioned officers of Bangladesh Navy to put the country's interest above personal interests and uphold the image of the nation and the force.

About the settlement of maritime boundary issue with the neighbouring countries, the premier said it created an opportunity for Bangladesh to tap huge sea resources across 1,18,813 square kilometre area in the sea.

There are also 720-kilometre-long coastal area where about three crore people are directly and indirectly dependent on sea for livelihood. More than 90 percent of the country's foreign trade is transported by sea, she mentioned.

There are valuable natural resources in the country's vast maritime areas, said Hasina. “So, it is your responsibility to protect this resources and ensuring security of the maritime boundary. I hope you would be successful in discharging this duty.”

On arrival at the parade ground, the PM was received by Navy Chief Vice Admiral M Farid Habib and Commander of Chittagong naval area Rear Admiral M Akhtar Habib.

Ministers, PM's advisers, senior military and civil officials, chiefs of Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Air Force, diplomats, local political leaders and guardians of the newly commissioned midshipmen were present.