Staff Reporter:Bangladesh Navy has commissioned its journey as a "three-dimensional force" as two submarines were commissioned in its fleet for the first time on Sunday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally opened the twin submarines named "Nabajatra" and "Joyjatra" in the navy at a colorful ceremony in the Chittagong Naval Berth on Sunday afternoon.
She handed over the "commissioning formans" to the commanding officers of the submarines procured from China and formally unveiled their name plaques as per the rules of the navy.
"With the induction of the submarines, Bangladesh Navy has started its fresh journey with a new shape and strength alongside the progress of the country," Sheikh Hasina told the commissioning function of two submarines.
The prime minister said a few countries of the world lead submarines, and Bangladesh has been placed on the list from today. "As a nation, it's a matter of very much honor and dignity for us," she said.
Sheikh Hasina expressed her firm belief that the newly-commissioned submarines would play an important role in safeguarding the country's sovereignty during any crisis period.
"The two submarines have added an unprecedented capability to strengthening the defense system to save the country from the aggression of external enemies," she said.
The prime minister later witnessed an introduction exhibition on achieving the capability of a three-dimensional force by the navy with the participation of BN Ship Bangabandhu, two helicopters, two MPAs, and an all round naval commando team.
She also inaugurated various base support facilities constructed for the submarines and laid the foundation stone of BNS Sheikh Hasina, a full-fledged base for the submarines.
A documentary on the long work for the acquisition of the two submarines was screened at the function.
A munajat was also offered on the occasion seeking continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the nation as well as further development of the armed forces.
Ministers, parliament members, the chiefs of three services, diplomats and high civil and military officials were present on the occasion.
A ship brought Bangladesh's first submarines to Chittagong Port from China on December 22. Earlier, the submarines were handed over to Bangladesh on November 14. On behalf of the Chinese government, Rear Admiral Liu Zizhu handed over the submarines to Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nizamuddin Ahmed at a function at a Dalian city shipyard in Liaoning province.