Chittagong: Mentioning that it is the demand of the time to extract marine resources and ensure its best use, President Abdul Hamid on Tuesday said there is no alternative to building a strong, modern and dependable Navy to protect and extract the resources.

‘In our huge sea areas, there are fishes, gas, other mineral resources and many undiscovered marine resources. There’s no option but to build a strong, modern and dependable Navy to protect and harness the marine resources and maintain the country’s sovereignty over the vast sea area,’ he said.

The President said this while speaking at the National Standard Conferment Ceremony to BNS Base Issa Khan.

Bangladesh has 710km-long coastal area and about three crore people of this area are directly or indirectly dependent on the sea to earn their livelihood, he noted.

Besides, about 90 per cent of the country’s overseas trade is carried out through the sea, said the President.

For the reason, it is essential to develop the sea area and ensure its security for the development of the national economy, he observed.

Mentioning that two submarines will be added to the fleet of the Navy very soon, Abdul Hamid said the induction of submarines will help the force develop into a skilled three-dimensional one which will play a special role in maintaining the country’s overall defense system.

Pointing at the members of Bangladesh Navy, he said, ‘You’ll establish Bangladesh Navy to a respectable position in the world arena though your high professionalism, hard work, discipline and skill.’

Earlier, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed welcomed the President when he reached the parade ground at BNS Base Issa Khan. The President was given a salute by a group of smart navy personnel.

Members of parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Defence, the Chiefs of Army and Air Force, high civil and military officials were present at the programme.