Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan on Wednesday said that the country's economic well-being and the safety of the Bay of Bengal's littorals depend on maintaining maritime security. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion, he reiterated the significance of Bangladesh’s active participation at multiple platforms in securing the Bay. The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the roundtable titled "Maritime Security in the Bay of Bengal: Emerging Threats and Strategies of Bangladesh." BIISS Chairman Ambassador AFM Gosal Azam Sarker chaired the event, while Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis delivered the welcome address. BIISS Research Fellow Moutusi Islam was the keynote speaker and delivered a presentation on “Emerging Maritime Security Threats in the Bay of Bengal: Unfolding the Multi-Level Strategies.” Prof Dr Rashed Uz Zaman of Dhaka University's Department of International Relations presented on “Maritime Security in the Bay of Bengal: Geopolitical and Strategic Implications,” while Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personal) and Chairman of BIMRAD, discussed “Emerging Maritime Security in the Bay of Bengal: Policy Options and Strategies of Bangladesh.” An open discussion session was held participated by relevant experts on maritime security.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said Bangladesh Navy and Air Force have once again been recognised as symbols of trust by the people of the country. He said Bangladesh Navy and Air Force have stood by the people of the country at the critical juncture of the country. The Chief Adviser inaugurated the Bangladesh ‘Navy and Air Force Selection Board-2024' at the Air Force Headquarters. In this promotion board, eligible officers holding the ranks of Captain, Commander and Lieutenant Commander of the Bangladesh Navy and Group Captain, Wing Commander and Squadron Leader of the Air Force will be considered for further promotion. Rohingya Crisis: Prof Yunus seeks urgent int’l conf to find solution Prof Yunus said the officers with honesty and principle and other leadership qualities deserve the promotion. The Chief Adviser directed to select the officers for promotion who have been successful in providing competent leadership in various activities of military life. Prof Yunus welcomed everyone in Bangladesh created by the student-people's revolution. He remembered all the martyrs with deep respect who sacrificed their lives during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in July-August. Prof Yunus also recalled all the brave soldiers, including the martyrs of the armed forces who participated in the great War of Independence, whose sacrifice the nation will forever remember with respect. Army Chief calls on Chief Adviser Prof Yunus The Chief Adviser instructed the members of the Selection Board to emphasise the professional skills, leadership qualities, standards of discipline, honesty, trustworthiness and loyalty and above all, suitability for employment of the officers for promotion. Upon arrival at the programme venue, the Chief Adviser was welcomed by Chief of Bangladesh Navy Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, according to the ISPR press release. The chiefs of the Navy and Air Force expressed their gratitude and thanks to the Chief Adviser for coming to inaugurate the Board despite his busy schedule. The ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Navy and Air Force, the Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor on Defense, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division and the Defense Secretary. Prof Yunus for creating "safe zone guaranteed by UN" for displaced people in Rakhine At the end of the ceremony, the Chief Adviser participated in a photograph with the senior officers of the Navy and Air Force present and recorded his comments in the visitor’s book. He later planted a sapling in the premises of the Air Force Headquarters.  

The Bangladesh Navy has apprehended two foreign fishing trawlers and 31 individuals for illegally entering the country’s waters. The vessels were seized on Tuesday afternoon by the warship BNS Shahid Akhtar Uddin during a routine patrol in the Bay of Bengal, near Kuakata, as reported by the ISPR on Wednesday. Bangladesh Navy deploys 67 personnel to UNMISS in South Sudan All detainees are foreign nationals and have been transferred to the Kalapara Police Station, where legal proceedings are underway. However, the Navy has not disclosed details about the detainees. Samoa warns of 'highly probable' fuel spill as New Zealand navy ship sinks To deter foreign incursions and illegal activities in Bangladesh's waters, the Navy is conducting extensive surveillance operations with 13 ships, including the Shahid Akhtar Uddin, in the sea, alongside 10 ships in river areas and maritime patrol aircraft. This operation aims to safeguard the country’s fisheries resources and territorial waters in the Bay of Bengal, ISPR added.  

The body of a member of Bangladesh Navy who went missing while taking a bath in the Muhuri River in Feni on Saturday (April 20, 2024) afternoon has been recovered after more than 8 hours. The deceased Abul Hasan was the son of Abul Khair of Dhanikunda village of Parshuram upazila. He was posted at Chittagong Naval Basecamp. Abul Hasan along with his friends went to take a bath at the ghat adjacent to Nazir's house on the Muhuri river around 2pm on Saturday for some relief from the scorching heat. Read more: Bangladeshi siblings drown in Sea of Oman Suddenly, Abul Hasan presumably drowned and went missing. Failing to find him, his friends informed the Parashuram Fire Service. Despite a lot of searching, the members of the Fire Service failed to rescue the missing Abul Hasan. Later, a diving team from Chattogram joined the rescue operation and managed to recover the body around 9:20pm. Mohammad Shahadat Hossain Khan, officer-in-charge (OC) of Parashuram Police Station, said the body would be sent to Feni General Hospital morgue for an autopsy. Read more: No concrete bridge for 20,000 inhabitants in Feni, Noakhali for over 22 years

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Bangladesh Navy won their respective matches in the Victory Day Volleyball Tournament at the Shaheed Nur Hossain National Volleyball Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday. National Youth Handball: Dhaka District win day's both matches Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) outplayed Bangladesh Fire Service by straight 3-0 sets while Bangladesh Navy beat BKSP by 3-1 sets. The day's other matches between Power Development Board and Bangladesh Jail, and Bangladesh Air Force and Bangladesh Police were in progress till the last reports were received. BCB to Discuss Bangladesh’s World Cup Disappointment with Shakib Four more matches will be held on Monday (Jan 29) at the same venue. Xavi won't continue at Barcelona after this season, citing 'lack of respect' and mental fatigue

Bangladesh Navy dominated the pool on the first day of the Max Group 32nd National Swimming, Diving and Water Polo Competitions 2023 that began on Monday (Oct 16)  at the Syed Nazrul Islam National Swimming Complex in Mirpur here. The sailors teams established their absolute supremacy in the very first day of the meet securing nine gold, six silver and two bronze medals in the opening day's 10 events, also featured a new national record. School Volleyball: Kalachandpur High School clinch boys’ champions; Bangladesh Int'l School (BIS) girls’ champions Bangladesh Army are in distant 2nd with one gold, four silver and five bronzes while BKSP are in the 3rd slot with three bronzes. Samiul Islam Rafi of Bangladesh Navy made the day's lone record in the men's 50-metre back stroke covering distance with a timing of 26.90 second to better his previous own record of 37.38 seconds made in 2022. DRU Football: Channel i, ATN News, Deepto TV, Dainik Inqilab reach semifinals Kajol Miah and Sonia Akter Tumpa of Bangladesh Navy emerged as the day's outstanding swimmers clinching two gold medals each. Earlier, Rear Admiral Mojammad Moyeenul Haque,  Assistant Chief of Naval Staff inauguarted the four-day Monday afternoon as the chief guest at a function chaired by general secretary of  Bangladesh Swimming Federation MB Saif. Some 550 swimmers  from 54 teams are taking  part in 38 swimming events (19 events each for men's and women's),  three diving and one water polo event. Apart from individual gold, silver and bronze medals,  the champions team, the runners up team, best male and female swimmers of the meet  will also be awarded. ICC World Cup 2023: Australia restrict Sri Lanka to 209 BSF President and Chief of Bangladesh Navy Admiral M Nazmul Hasan will be the chief guest  at the closing and prize distribution ceremony of the meet on October 19. BSF senior vice president and chairman of the meet's sponsor Max Group Engineer Golam Mohammad Alamgir will be the special on the occasion.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked Bangladesh Navy to stay prepared for dealing with any naural disaster as well as protecting the country’s sovereignty. “Being emboldened with the qualities of integrity, leadership and self-sacrifice, you’ll always have to remain prepared to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty as well as face any disaster, standing shoulder to shoulder with the members of the Army and Air Force. Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country,” she said. The prime minister was addressing the President Parade of the passing cadets of Midshipmen 2020 Alfa Batch and Direct Entry Officer 2022 Bravo Batch of Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) in Chattogram's Patenga. She said the Bangladesh Navy always stands beside the people during natural disasters and continues to conduct rescue operations competently. “I want our officers to do the work with utmost sincerity,” she said. Read more: All religious faiths in Bangladesh enjoy their rights equally: PM Referring to the graduating officers, the PM said, “You are the future helmsmen of our Navy in protecting the country’s sovereignty and security.” She asked them to discharge the responsibilities towards the country, being imbued with patriotism, and equipped with the senses of discipline and integrity. GOVT MODERNIZING ARMED FORCES TO RESIST ATTACK Sheikh Hasina said her government has been working to modernize the armed forces with a view to making them capable of resisting possible attacks. She said Bangladesh will not engage in a war with anyone, rather it will maintain friendly relations with all. “Being an independent country, we will have to be prepared to protect our independence and sovereignty. I want to develop our armed forces, equipped with modern technological knowledge and advanced equipment, so that we can resist any attack from external foes and can win any war,” she added.  She said her government is putting emphasis on training of the armed forces and has developed infrastructures to this end.  BANGLADESH NAVY SET TO BECOME BUILDER FROM BUYER  The prime minister said Bangladesh Navy is turning into a builder of military ships and systems which will generate employment alongside saving foreign currency. She said Bangladesh is building ships at local shipyards for its own use. Bangladesh Navy has completed the construction of five patrol crafts and two large patrol crafts in Khulna shipyard. The manufacturing of five more patrol crafts is in progress, she said. “Our Navy has prepared IFF (identification of friend and foe) system for three forces. Now, the Navy is going to become a ‘builder’ (of military ships and systems) force from ‘buyer’. This will save foreign currencies, develop local technology, create jobs and enhance the skills,” she said. The PM said the Bangladesh Navy was entrusted with the overall security of the Bangabandhu Tunnel under the Karnaphuli river, which is the first such tunnel in South Asia. Read more: Make sure people don’t suffer amid global crisis: PM Hasina urges local representatives She said construction of BNS Sher-e-Bangla is in progress and a permanent submarine base is being developed at Pekua in Cox's Bazar. Sheikh Hasina said her government formulated and is now implementing the Forces Goal 2030. In the last 14 years, a total of 31 warships, including 4 frigates, 6 corvettes, 4 large patrol crafts, 5 patrol crafts and 2 training ships were added to the fleet of Bangladesh Navy, she said. She said the government also established 'Special Warfare Diving and Salvage Command' and Naval Aviation Wing as efficient commando and rescue teams. “We added two submarines in 2017. As a result, our Navy has today been established as a three-dimensional naval force,” she added. The PM said Bangladesh Navy provides security to commercial vessels, fishing trawlers, boats and the blue economy-related maritime institutions in sea and coastal areas, including Chattogram and Mongla seaports. “We are developing the infrastructure of Mongla Commander Flotilla West. Digital technology has also been introduced in the Navy,” she said. Bangladesh Navy recently hosted the 'International Fleet Review-2022' on the occasion of birth centenary of the Father of Nation and golden jubilee of independence, which has earned a huge appreciation for the navy in national and international arenas. The premier inspected a splendid parade at the academy parade ground. At the function, a total of 35 midshipmen of the 2020 Alfa Batch were commissioned, while 6 direct entry officers of the 2022 Bravo Batch graduated. The PM handed the sword of honour and CNS Gold Medal to the two best all-round midshipmen, while Bir Sreshtho Ruhul Amin Gold medal was handed to the best direct entry officer.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked Bangladesh Navy to stay prepared for dealing with any natural disaster as well as protecting the country’s sovereignty. “Being emboldened with the qualities of integrity, leadership and self-sacrifice, you’ll always have to remain prepared to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty as well as face any disaster, standing shoulder to shoulder with the members of the Army and Air Force. Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country,” she said. The prime minister was addressing the President Parade of the passing cadets of Midshipmen 2020 Alfa Batch and Direct Entry Officer 2022 Bravo Batch of Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) in Chattogram's Patenga. Read more: PM wants Bangladesh Navy to be commercial manufacturer of warships She said the Bangladesh Navy always stands beside the people during natural disasters and continues to conduct rescue operations competently. “I want our officers to do the work with utmost sincerity,” she said. Referring to the graduating officers, the PM said, “You are the future helmsmen of our Navy in protecting the country’s sovereignty and security.” She asked them to discharge the responsibilities towards the country, being imbued with patriotism, and equipped with the senses of discipline and integrity. Read more: PM commissions five modern Navy ships

The US Naval Special Warfare has partnered with Bangladesh Navy to "enhance stability" in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, and training for contingencies. The second joint combined exchange training (JCET) exercise of 2022 between Bangladesh Navy Special Warfare Diving and Salvage (BN SWADS) and US Naval Special Warfare concluded in Chattogram on Thursday. The JCET is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the forces' combat readiness and their ability to respond to maritime threats, said the US Embassy in Dhaka. Read: Bangladesh Navy deserves appreciation for ensuring maritime security while facing natural challenges: PM The BN SWADS and NSW trainers undertook a four-week physically demanding training exercise that familiarised participants with patrolling and crisis response tactics.

Bangladesh Navy reached the final round of the Independence Cup Football 2022, eliminating Bangladesh Army by 4-3 in a tie breaker at the Bir Shreshta Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Sunday. The last qualifying round match between two teams was locked at 2-2 goals in the stipulated period. In the scheduled time,Mizanur put Bangladesh Army ahead in the 27th minute (1-0) while Habibur leveled the margin for the sailors team in the 36th minute (1-1). Bangladesh Army again took lead in the stoppage time of the first half (45+3 minute) by a goal from Morsalin (2-1) while Raja again neutralized the margin in the 75th minute (2-2). The 16-team final round of the meet will be held on November 13 to December 5 at three venues across the country--Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj, Bir Shreshta Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj and Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla. Dhaka Mohammedan SC will play Bangladesh Navy in the inaugural match on November 13 in Munshiganj while Sheikh Russel KC will encounter Fortis Football Club in the other opening day's fixture in Cumilla. Participating teams are: Group A - Dhaka Mohammedan SC, Sheikh Russel KC, Fortis Football Club and Bangladesh Navy Group B- Bashundhara Kings, Chittagong Abahani, Azampur Football Club and Youngmens' Club Fakirerpool. Group C- Dhaka Abahani Limited, Muktijoddha Sangsad KC, Uttara Football Club and Bangladesh Air Force Group D- Sheikh Jamal DC, Bangladesh Police FC, Rahmatganj MFS and BFF Elite Football Academy.