The two renowned warships of the country’s navy force are going to be replaced with newly procured 053H2 Frigate ships from China
The first two Frigate ships – BNS Abu Bakar and BNS Ali Haider – were de-commissioned from Bangladesh Navy (BN) at a programme at BNS Isha Khan Jetty in Chittagong on Wednesday.
The two renowned warships of the country’s navy force are going to be replaced with newly procured 053H2 Frigate ships from China, said navy sources.
The new ships have already been started from China and will hopefully arrive in Bangladesh at the end of January, said the sources.
Chittagong Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Akhtar Habib, (ND), ndc, ncc, psc, as chief guest, addressed the de-commissioned programme held at BNS Isha Khan Jetty in the port city at around 10:00am.
He said the two first generation Frigates made proud BN fleet by giving their services for about 35 years in many national interests.
The ships also played an important role during natural disasters in the country, he said.
“Both the ships discharged their duties appropriately in the Bay of Bengal to protect the country’s economic maritime area and save the country from outer enemy, terrorist and smugglers,” he also said.
The warships also raised Bangladesh flag in the world by showing their capabilities during different international naval exhibitions along with many modern and well-mechanised naval forces of developed countries, he added.
The area commander also thanked to the present and former officials of the two ships to operate the ships with a disciplined process and proved themselves as the best survivors for the country’s maritime area.
Present and former high officials of Bangladesh Navy in Chittagong were present in the programme, among others.
BNS Abu Bakar was re-commissioned in Bangaldesh Navy in 1982 while BNS Ali Haider was commissioned in 1978.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
