Chittagong: Bangladesh Navy has started its journey as a ‘three-dimensional force’ as two submarines were commissioned in its fleet for the first time on Sunday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally commissioned the twin submarines named ‘Nabajatra’ and ‘Joyjatra’ in the navy at a colourful ceremony in the Chittagong Naval Berth this noon.

She handed over the ‘commissioning formans’ to the commanding officers of the submarines procured from China and formally unveiled their name plaques as per the rules of the navy.

‘With the induction of the submarines, Bangladesh Navy has started its fresh journey with a new shape and strength alongside the progress of the country,’ Sheikh Hasina told the commissioning function of two submarines.

The prime minister said a few countries of the world operate submarines,and Bangladesh has been placed in the list from today. ‘As a nation, it’s a matter of very much honour and dignity for us,’ she said.

Sheikh Hasina expressed her firm belief that the newly-commissioned submarines would play an important role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty during any crisis period.

‘The two submarines have added unprecedented capability to strengthening the defence system to save the country from the aggression of external enemies,’ she said.

The prime minister later witnessed an introduction exhibition on achieving capability of a three-dimensional force by the navy with
the participation of BN Ship Bangabandhu, two helicopters, two MPAs and an all-round naval commando team.

She also inaugurated various base support facilities constructed for the submarines and laid the foundation stone of BNS Sheikh Hasina, a full-fledged base for the submarines.

A documentary on the long work for the acquisition of the two submarines was screened at the function. A special prayer was also offered on the occasion seeking continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation as well as further development of the armed forces.

Ministers, parliament members, the chiefs of three services, diplomats and high civil and military officials were present on the occasion.

A ship brought Bangladesh’s first submarines to Chittagong Port from China on 22 December.

Earlier, the submarines were handed over to Bangladesh on 14 November. On behalf of the Chinese government, Rear Admiral Liu Zizhu handed over the submarines to Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nizamuddin Ahmed at a function at a Dalian city shipyard in Liaoning province.

The conventional diesel electric submarines are 76 metres in length and 7.6 metres in width and are equipped with torpedoes and mines, which are capable of attacking enemy warships and submarines. The highest speed of the submarines is about 17 nautical miles per hour and their displacement is 1609 tonnes.

The naval personnel of both the countries completed a sea trial and real training to operate the submarines, an ISPR release said after their arrival in Chittagong on 22 December.