Online Desk/

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the present government has taken the initiative of overall development of the armed forces only to protect the independence and sovereignty of the country.

He said, Bangladesh has no desire to engage in any kind of war with anyone. We really don’t want to go to war with anyone. Our vision is only to protect our independence and sovereignty.

The Prime Minister said these things while addressing the chief guest at the commissioning ceremony of the newly constructed base of Bangladesh Navy BNS Sher-e-Bangla, four ships of 41 PCS and four LCUs at Kalapara in Patuakhali on Wednesday. He participated in the function virtually from Ganabhaban.

Sheikh Hasina said that the government has taken steps to develop the armed forces including the navy. In this they have become proficient by attaining international level qualifications and standards. We have taken special measures for that purpose.

He said that in addition to the purchase of helicopters, the construction of several warships is underway to strengthen surveillance and security in the sea.

Naval Chief Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal delivered the welcome address on the occasion. An audio-visual documentary on BNS Shere Bangla, four ships of 41 PCS and four LCUs was shown at the beginning.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal handed over the commissioning orders to the base commander of BNS Sher-e-Bangla and the commanders of four ships and four LCUs of 41 PCS at the commissioning ceremony.

The Prime Minister also unveiled the nameplates of BNS Sher-e-Bangla base and four ships of 41 PCS and four LCUs.

This is the first time that the national flag has been flown at BNS Sher-e-Bangla base, four ships and four LCUs as per naval tradition. Which is known as ‘Color’ in Navy.