Bangladesh receives 5 patrol boats from Japan

Bangladesh has received five high-speed patrol boats from Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme, reinforcing the country's maritime security and surveillance capabilities.

The commissioning ceremony took place on Wednesday, attended by Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam as the chief guest. 

Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shimada Tomoaki, participated as the special guest. 

The event was also attended by senior Bangladesh Navy officials, members of the Japanese delegation and other invited guests.

According to an official press release, the newly commissioned vessels will strengthen the Navy's ability to conduct coastal and inland waterway patrols, maritime surveillance, search and rescue missions, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, and the protection of Bangladesh's maritime interests and sovereignty.

Bangladesh and Japan signed an agreement in November 2023 for the procurement of the five patrol boats under their longstanding strategic partnership.

The patrol boats arrived at Chattogram Port on February 6 this year after the project's completion. 

Each vessel measures 16.15 metres in length and 3.53 metres in width, with a displacement of 13.5 tonnes. 

Capable of travelling at speeds of up to 32 knots, the boats are designed for effective operations in shallow waters.

The release noted that the vessels are well suited for navigating rivers, estuaries and coastal waterways, including narrow and difficult channels, allowing the Navy to improve patrol, surveillance and rapid-response capabilities.

The boats are also expected to enhance security at seaports and along the coastline while supporting emergency response efforts, humanitarian operations and disaster management activities.

The OSA-supported initiative underscores the expanding defence and technology partnership between Bangladesh and Japan and is expected to further deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.