First submarine base of Bangladesh inaugurated

Bangladesh Navy has constructed permanent base 'Banouja Sheikh Hasina' for two submarines 'Banauja Nabajatra' and Banauja 'JayaJatra'.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the base from Ganabhaban through video conference at around 12:30 pm on Monday (March 20).

At that time, with the permission of the Prime Minister, Navy Chief Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal handed over the commissioning order of the base to Captain Mohammad Atiqur Rahman. Officially unveiled the nameplate as per Navy custom. With this, the base officially started operational activities in the Navy.

The station, which cost $1.21 billion to construct, can accommodate up to six submarines and eight warships simultaneously. Due to the base's location in the Bay of Bengal, it will enable the submarines to move quickly and safely in an emergency.

Both submarines are 76 meters long and 7.5 meters wide. Submarines armed with torpedoes and mines are capable of attacking enemy warships and submarines. At full capacity they have a speed of 17 nautical miles per hour.

Submarine base 'Banouja Sheikh Hasina' has been built with an area of ​​about 700 acres. The Pekua Submarine Base area of ​​Cox's Bazar was colorfully decorated.

Notable facilities of the base include berthing facilities for submarines, berthing facilities for other submarine-supporting warships, submarine fleet headquarters, submarine training school and simulation center, dry dock and all types of base support facilities related to submarines. Also all the facilities are kept for the residence of officers and sailors.