Planning Minister MA Mannan witnessed the closing-day exercise from the BNS Bangabandhu as the chief guest. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Aurangzeb Chowdhury was also present.
Commander of BN Fleet Rear Admiral M Nazmul Hasan and Captain KUM Amanat Ullah, commander of the BNS Bangabandhu, welcomed the chief guest on his arrival at the ship and a smartly-turned-out team gave him a guard of honour.
A large number of ships, including frigate, corvette, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), minesweepers, patrol crafts, missile boats and Navy's maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters, directly took part in the 18-day exercise.
Besides, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Army and Air Force participated in this exercise either directly or indirectly.
The main theme of the annual naval exercise was the protection of the country's maritime sovereignty, safeguarding the sea resources, ensuring safety of sea routes, including prevention of smuggling and piracy, conservation of biodiversity in coastal areas and guarding the sea areas.
Among the highlights of the final day's exercise were the missile launch from Bangladesh Navy ship, shoulder-launched SAM firing, anti-air rapid open fire, RDC fire, DBSS/naval commando drill and various naval tactics.
Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Md Mahfuzur Rahman, PSOs of the Naval Headquarters and Commander of Chattogram naval area and commanders of BNS fleet were present.