Navy to be made much stronger: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Bangladesh Navy will be made much stronger if Awami League is voted to power again.

“If we can return [to power], we'll surely make this navy much stronger, Insha Allah,” she said.

The prime minister said this while attending a programme marking the commissioning of new naval base BNS Sheikh Mujib, opening of 22 multi-storied buildings and laying the foundation stone of BN Township in Savar and BNS Sheikh Mujib in Khilkhet area of the capital.

“We're trying to put the country's economic condition on a solid ground… we're also trying to modernise the forces, which are the symbols of our independence so that we can move forward in the global arena with dignity,” she said.

After assuming power in 2009, the prime minister said, her government has implemented a good number of projects for the development of the navy.

Talking about the BNS Sheikh Mujib, Hasina said this base -- apart from its own operational activities -- will play a special role in ensuring people's welbeing and tackling natural calamities.

The PM said the accommodation crisis of navy personnel will ease to some extent with the inauguration of residential buildings for them.

Sheikh Hasina handed over the commissioning warrant to the commanding officer Captain Munir Uddin Mallik followed by hoisting the Colours and striking of ship bells.

After the inauguration of the 22 multi-storied buildings, which will be used for various purposes in Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna naval areas, the prime minister talked to some beneficiaries through videoconferencing.

She also unveiled a book titled “Bangladesh Navy in 21st century”.

Earlier, on her arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by Navy Chief Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed.