‘Padma’ latest Bangladesh Navy warship
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says Bangladesh will win her litigation with India over disputed maritime boundaries in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh won her litigation over disputed maritime boundaries with Myanmar in March 14 last year at the International Tribunal for the Law of the sea.

The same tribunal is supposed to pronounce its verdict on the India-Bangladesh maritime boundary dispute in 2014.

"We will win this case against India ," Hasina said as he addressed officers and ranks of the Bangladesh Navy in Khulna.

The Prime Minister welcomed moves to set up a deep sea port at Sonadia , saying that will boost the country's foreign trade substantially.

She said her government has already opened Chittagong and Mongla ports for neighbouring countries to improve bilateral relations and trade.

On Thursday, the first ever home made warship ‘Padma’ was added to the Bangladesh Navy in presence of Sheikh Hasina.

The ship was commissioned in Khulna’s Khalishpur BNS Titumir base and Hasina handed over the 'commission warrant' to the 'Padma' s Captain Lt Commander Shafiul Azam.

Later the Prime Minister inspected the warship.

At the commissioning event, Prime Minister said Bangladesh was not a country that sought wars. “We want peace, but we need to be prepared to defend ourselves."

She said the Navy had to be made modernised with latest technology within the limited resource Bangladesh has to offer.

‘Padma’ was one of the five warships, work on which began on Mar 5, 2011 in Khulna shipyard.

The Tk 580 million warship is 50 metres in length and 7.5 metres in width. Navy says it can travel up to 44 kilometres per hour.

‘Padma’ has four 37mm and two 20mm canons capable to aim at targets both on land and in air. It can also plant mines in river and the sea to hinder enemy entry.

Navy says in peace time the ‘Padma’ will be patrolling the Sunderbans and adjacent sea territory under Khulna Navy Commander.

The Prime Minister said that the Chinese, Indian and Myanmarese navies were becoming active in the Bay of Bengal .

She said that the Navy must be prepared to prevent any aggression on Bangladesh's maritime zone. “Our government is committed to develop a well- equipped Navy in future to protect our resources and to check arms trafficking and smuggling as well as to keep open the sea routes”.

Bangladesh Navy Chief Vice Admiral Jahir Uddin Ahmed and Commodore MA Rajib received the Prime Minister upon her arrival in Khulna Navy base.

A smart Navy turnout presented the Prime Minister the guard of honour.
http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/...h-navy-warship

Navy to get sub
Bangladesh Navy would soon have a submarine and other modern warfare and patrol craft to safeguard the Bay of Bengal, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said yesterday.

"To make the navy a deterrent force, a submarine with base facilities will be added," she said at Khulna Naval Base Titumir while commissioning first Bangladeshi warship BNS Padma made here with technological assistance from China.

The rising presence of India, Myanmar and China's commercial ships in the Bay increased its economic and strategic importance, she said, which was why a strong naval force had become mandatory for protection of the sea.

A process in on to modernise the force, Hasina said. Two maritime patrol aircraft will be available by April. Also underway are construction of navy's own air base at the harbour, berths for ships, new bases, training schools and accommodations for naval officers and soldiers.

Besides, two helicopters and missiles have been procured to make BNS Bangabandhu, a frigate, fully operational.

China had built two modern large patrol craft for the navy, and the making of a fleet tanker to carry fuel was about to be completed, the PM said. Five patrol craft were built in Khulna shipyard, of which BNS Padma joined the navy yesterday.

The PM said her government bought three warships and missile-boats for the naval force in the last fiscal year. Besides, some naval ships were upgraded with ship destroyer missiles.

Special naval force SWADS has been formed to play an active role in combating terrorism in the maritime boundary.

"Inshallah, we'll be able to build a modern tri-dimensional naval force for our future generations, which will be able to face challenges within its own maritime boundary at any war time."

The government has also taken long-term plans to be implemented by 2020. It aimed at making Bangladesh Navy a more effective force to protect the country's sea resources through round-the-clock patrolling as well as resisting arms trafficking and smuggling.

Foreign trade through the sea will expand significantly as the government is going to set up a deep-sea port at Sonadia, Hasina said. Her government has already opened Chittagong and Mongla ports for neighbouring counties to enhance political, economic and diplomatic cooperation with them.

Referring to Bangladesh winning a maritime dispute with Myanmar at the international tribunal ITLOS, Hasina said the responsibility of the navy had significantly increased in ensuring security and protecting sovereignty and sea resources.

Because of the efforts made by the incumbent government, a frigate and a large patrol craft of the navy have joined the UN Mission in Lebanon for the first time, Hasina said, expressing hope that the naval force in future would be able to play a significant role in securing global maritime boundary.

Bangladesh recently signed a deal to purchase military equipment and arms from Russia through the supplier's credit of $1 billion.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesig...php?nid=266560




Bangladesh Navy-built first warship commissioned at Khulna Shipyard yesterday. Inset, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the bridge of the vessel.

Step By Step Building Navy Power