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The Bangladesh Navy yesterday formally inducted five high-speed patrol boats into its fleet under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme, marking a significant milestone in the growing defence and strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan.
The patrol boats were officially handed over to the Bangladesh Navy by representatives of the Government of Japan at a ceremony held today, according to a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomoaki was present as the special guest.
Senior officials of the Japanese delegation and high-ranking officers of the Bangladesh Navy also attended the event.
According to the ISPR, the newly inducted patrol boats will significantly enhance the Bangladesh Navy’s operational capabilities in coastal and riverine patrols, maritime surveillance, search and rescue missions, humanitarian assistance, disaster response operations, and the protection of the country’s maritime resources and sovereignty.
The acquisition of the patrol boats follows a bilateral agreement signed between Bangladesh and Japan in November 2023 under Japan’s Official Security Assistance framework.
The project formally commenced following the exchange of diplomatic notes between the two countries.
Upon completion of the construction and delivery process, the five patrol boats arrived at Chattogram Port on February 6 this year.
To ensure effective operation and maintenance of the vessels, Bangladesh Navy personnel underwent specialized training under the supervision of Japanese experts at BNS Nirbhik.
Each of the newly acquired patrol boats measures 16.15 metres in length, 3.53 metres in width and 1.78 metres in depth, and is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 32 knots.
Designed specifically for operations in shallow waters, the high-speed patrol boats will enable the Bangladesh Navy to conduct maritime and riverine missions more efficiently, particularly in narrow waterways, coastal regions, estuaries and other challenging operational environments.
Defence officials said the induction of the vessels would strengthen Bangladesh’s maritime security capabilities while enhancing the Navy’s capacity to respond to natural disasters, conduct humanitarian operations and safeguard the country’s maritime interests.
The project is also expected to further deepen the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan, while expanding bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence, maritime security and technological collaboration.
