A glorious chapter begins

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said a glorious chapter opened in the country’s history with the commissioning of its first ever submarine base.

The premier was addressing the commissioning ceremony of the country’s first submarine base “BNS Sheikh Hasina” of Bangladesh Navy in Cox’s Bazar’s Pekua. She joined the event virtually from the Gono Bhaban.

Hasina said her government established the Bangladesh Navy as a full-fledged three-dimensional force by adding two submarines (BNS Navajatra and BNS Joyjatra) to the naval fleet on March 12, 2017.

She asked the Navy members to work for building the country alongside carrying out their professional duties by playing a supportive role in unlocking the potentials of the blue economy. “Because, we’ve taken a blue economy policy to explore our huge marine resources.”

The PM said the government has taken steps to utilise marine resources for the country’s economic development. Besides, Bangladesh has many scopes to develop its tourism industry, she added.

Hasina said her government has been building capable armed forces to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty if it is attacked.

“We don’t want to go to war with anyone. But we have to attain enough efficiency to protect our independence and sovereignty if Bangladesh falls into such a situation. We’re preparing our forces keeping that in mind.”

The PM said 31 warships were added to Bangladesh Navy’s fleet in the last 14 years.

She also thanked the Navy as it is not only building ships for Bangladesh, but also constructing various water vessels and exporting those to different countries.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal delivered the welcome speech from the venue.

On PM’s permission, the chief of naval staff handed the commissioning order to Commodore M Atiqur Rahman, commanding officer of the submarine base.

The newly constructed submarine base can accommodate six submarines and eight warships at a time.