The country’s government has officially handed over five high-speed patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA). Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. AKM Shamchul Islam was the chief guest and Japan’s Parliamentary Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomoaki was present as the special guest.
This bilateral agreement was signed between the governments of both countries in November 2023 as a continuation of long-term mutual trust, friendship and strategic partnership with Japan.
According to a notification, the project activities started in November 2023 and after the project activities, the boats arrived at Chittagong port on February 6 this year. Under the supervision of Japanese experts, Navy personnel are imparted necessary training in handling and maintenance of boats at Banauja Nirbhi.
Each boat has a length of 16.15 meters, a width of 3.53 meters, a depth of 1.78 meters and a capacity of 13.5 tons. Patrol boats are capable of traveling at a maximum speed of 32 mph. As these boats are suitable for navigation in shallow waterways and have high speed, they will be able to conduct operations with greater efficiency and effectiveness in the narrow and inaccessible waterways of rivers, estuaries and coastal areas of the country.
These boats will play an effective role in strengthening security in the country’s seaports and coastal areas, patrolling operations, surveillance, search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and quick response to any emergency situation.
Apart from this, the Japanese delegation, senior officers of the Navy and invited guests and related persons were also present on the occasion.
The modernization program of Bangladesh Navy is continuing with the aim of strengthening the country’s maritime security, patrolling and surveillance in coastal areas, increasing humanitarian assistance and disaster response capacity, and ensuring the protection of maritime resources and sovereignty.
