Dhaka: President Abdul Hamid has said the Bangladesh Navy will soon get two submarines in its flee. He said the addition would be part of the government's plan to develop Bangladesh Navy into a "three-dimensional" force.
While listing induction of many other new modern equipment and vessels in the navy, including maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters in recent years, the president, however, quickly added that those were not to wage war against anyone,bdnews24.com said.
"We need the capacity for self-defence to live as a dignified nation," he said while addressing the President Parade for Midshipman-2012-A and direct entry DEO 2013-B batch at Bangladesh Naval Academy at Patenga, a sea beach located 14 km from the port city of Chittagong.
Hamid, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, reminded the new naval officers of their duty and told them "carrying the flag of success to build a good future by enriching the country's economy is bestowed upon you".
"I firmly believe you'll be able to put Bangladesh in a more prestigious position at the global stage by engaging yourselves in the supreme duty of protecting the nation," he said.
Referring to last year's victory over maritime row with Myanmar, Hamid said Bangladesh Navy helped in carrying out the overall survey of the sea and providing info. "This has been made possible by the able leadership of the government."
The Bangladesh president also hoped that next year's verdict on another maritime dispute with India in the Bay of Bengal would also be in Bangladesh's favour.