PM vows to turn Bangladesh Navy into ‘Builder Navy’

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed her firm determination to turn Bangladesh Navy into a "Builder Navy" from "Buyer Navy" and hoped that Bangladesh would be able to export warships.

"We'll be able to turn Bangladesh Navy into a 'Builder Navy' from 'Buyer Navy' gradually and we ourselves can export warships Insha Allah," she said.

In this connection, she mentioned that two submarine destroyer large patrol craft -- Durgam and Nishan -- built in Khulna Shipyard were commissioned to the naval fleet last month, while a process for constructing modern frigates in Chittagong Dry Dock is underway.

The premier was addressing the President Parade-2017 marking the passing out of the Midshipman-2015 and the Direct Entry Officers (DEO) 2017/B batches of Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) at the academy parade ground in Chittagong this morning.

The premier asked the newly-commissioned officers of Bangladesh Navy to dedicate themselves to safeguarding the country's independence and sovereignty being imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War.

"I firmly believe that you would dedicate yourselves to the great responsibility of safeguarding the country's independence and sovereignty being imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War," she said.

Sheikh Hasina also directed them to show their loyalty to their seniors and sympathy to the subordinates.

"I hope that you'll be able to put Bangladesh Navy at more glorious position on the world stage by maintaining the chain of command," she said.

On her arrival at the BNA parade ground, the prime minister was received by Navy Chief Admiral M Nizam Uddin Ahmed, Commander of Chittagong Naval Area Rear Admiral Abu Ashraf and Naval Academy Commandant Golam Sadek.

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

On the occasion of a spectacular parade, participated by midshipmen of passing out batches and different contingents of the navy, was arranged.

The prime minister reviewed the smartly turned out parade and took salute.

She also distributed awards among best midshipmen for their outstanding performance in the academy.

Midshipman Sohanur Rahman received the Sword of Honour from the premier for becoming the best all-round midshipman.

Direct Entry Officer Acting Sub-Lieutenant AZM Nasimul Islam got Bir Shrestha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Gold Medal, while Midshipman Simanta Nandi Akash received Naval Chief Gold Medal for acquiring highest standard in the professional and educational subjects.

With this winter parade, a total of 104 midshipmen including one from Sri Lanka and one from the Maldives and 12 Direct Entry Officers (DEO) got commission this year.