Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday expressed hope that Bangladesh Navy would gradually be turned into “builder Navy” from a “buyer Navy” as the government took various steps in this regard.

“We'll be able to build warships and export those as well,” she told a programme at Bangladesh Naval Academy here.

The programme was organised marking the winter parade of Midshipmen-2015 and Direct Entry Officers 2017/B Batch.

Mentioning various steps taken by her government to modernise the Navy, she said work was underway to construct the largest naval base with aviation facilities in Patuakhali and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib naval base in Dhaka.

Besides, work was going on to set up a submarine base in Kutubdia for ensuring proper management and maintenance of submarines and providing jetty facilities, she added.

Hasina said the construction of the fleet headquarters, with ship-berthing facilities, in Chittagong's Sitakunda-Sandwip channel has started. “So, I believe that the overall security of the country's sea areas will be stepped up further.”

Modern warships were being made with local technology in Khulna Shipyard and Narayanganj dockyard, run under the competent management of the Bangladesh Navy, she mentioned.

Two large anti-submarine warfare patrol crafts -- “Durgam” and “Nishan” -- were commissioned into the naval fleet last month. A modern frigate was being constructed in Chittagong Dry Dock Limited as well, the premier added.

She said her government was able to establish Bangladesh's sovereign rights in a vast sea area through peaceful settlement of the maritime boundary disputes with Myanmar and India in the international court, maintaining friendly relations with the two countries.

“After establishing the rights in the vast sea area, our responsibility has largely increased to protect the marine resources so that we can use that for our socio-economic development. We've already taken various steps in this regard.”

Hasina hoped the Navy midshipmen would engage themselves in the noble duty of protecting the country's independence and sovereignty being imbued with the spirit of Liberation War.

She said she was glad to know that there were 21 females among those who were commissioned into the Navy yesterday.

She paid deep homage to Birshrestha Shaheed Ruhul Amin and other members of the Navy, who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War.

Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman could realise the importance of the Naval force considering the geopolitical location of Bangladesh and demanded establishment of the force's headquarters in the then East Pakistan in the historic six-point programme in 1966, but the Pakistani rulers didn't accept it.

Bangabandhu had commissioned BNS Issa Khan, the largest naval training base, in 1974 to build a modern and strong naval force. He bought modern warships from Yugoslavia and India for forming a competent naval force alongside developing the war-ravaged country, the PM added.

She said the Father of the Nation enacted the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act, 1974 to demarcate the country's maritime boundary.

“Unfortunately, those who came to power after the killing of the Father of Nation in 1975 didn't take any initiative to implement the law. Forming the government after 21 years, Awami League took initiatives in this regard.”

Housing and Public Works Minister Mosharraf Hossain, Chittagong Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, lawmakers, diplomats and top civil and military officials were present.

A total of 92 midshipmen, including one each from Sri Lanka and the Maldives, were commissioned through a colourful ceremony at Navy Parade Ground.

The PM also handed over Birshrestha Ruhul Amin Medal to AZM Nasimul Islam for becoming the best all-round direct entry officer, while Navy Chief Gold Medal to Shimanto Nandi Akash for the second best all-round midshipman and Sword of Honour to Sohanur Rahman for becoming the best all-round midshipman.

The newly commissioned officers took oath in presence of the PM.

Earlier, on her arrival, Hasina was received by the Navy Chief Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed and Chittagong Naval Region Commander Rear Admiral M Abu Ashraf.