Country's first submarines to be commissioned today

Bangladesh Navy is set to start its journey as a "three-dimensional force" as two submarines are going to be added to its fleet for the first time today.

"The commissioning of two submarines procured from China will be held at a special ceremony in the area adjacent to Chittagong naval jetty in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," Prime Minister's Office sources said here yesterday.

A ship brought Bangladesh's first submarines named "Nabajatra" and "Joyjatra" 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.

"With the inclusion of the two submarines, Bangladesh Navy would commence its journey as a three-dimensional force," Admiral Ahmed told the submarines handing-over ceremony.

The navy chief thanked the Chinese naval force for modernising the submarines and imparting necessary training to Bangladesh Navy personnel to operate and maintain the warships.

The type 035G diesel electric submarines are 76 metres in length and 7.6 metres in width and are equipped with torpedoes and mines, which are capable of attacking enemy warships and submarines.

The naval personnel of both the countries completed a sea trial and real training to operate the submarines, an ISPR release said after their arrival in Chittagong on Dec 22.

Source: BSS