Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that procurement of arms from developed countries including Russia, China, Turkey, India, etc., will play an important role in increasing the capacity of the armed forces in the future.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said this in response to a written question by Awami League member of parliament Habibur Rahman during the question and answer session of the 2024-25 fiscal year budget session of the Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday (June 26).

The Chief Minister said that formulation of Forces Goal-2030 is a timely step in the formation and development of the forces. Currently the implementation of Forces Goal-2030 is ongoing.
He said, in the light of Forces Goal-2030 for the development of the armed forces, procurement of arms from Russia, China, Turkey, India and other developed countries in the arms industry is ongoing, which will be able to play an important role in increasing the capacity of our armed forces in the future. Since coming to power in 2009, the government has taken all practical steps to develop the armed forces. Among the various advanced equipment procured for the Army so far are Casa Utility Aircraft, Dauphin Eurocopter, Diamond Training Aircraft, MBT-2000 Tank, VT-5 Light Tank, Armored Recovery Vehicle, Self Propelled (SP) Cannon, Anti Tank Guided Weapon, Short Range Air Defense. System, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Surface to Air Missile System, Armored Personnel Carrier, Radar Control Air Defense Gun System, Night Vision Monocular, Advanced Weapons, Modern Communication Equipment are notable.

Sheikh Hasina said that a long-term plan has been formulated since the first term of the government regarding the sea safety and protection of the country’s resources. In addition to countering external enemies in the country’s maritime areas, activities are underway to build a strong naval force to combat piracy, combat drug/arms/human smuggling, prevent marine pollution and ensure the protection and proper utilization of fisheries and mineral resources. For this purpose, modern submarines, Castle class ships, frigates, corvettes, ocean survey ships, large patrol craft, maritime patrol aircraft and maritime helicopters have already been added to the Bangladesh Navy.

At the same time, various modern equipments including diving boats, landing craft utilities, remote control guns, unmanned aircraft systems, network hub stations, tactical firing ranges, long range air defense and surveillance radars, various equipment and weapons have been purchased for the modernization of the Navy. Also, the process of setting up IFF Center for Armed Forces is being carried out under Bangladesh Navy.