Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government has adopted a 10-year defence modernisation plan requiring an estimated Tk 860 billion to strengthen the capabilities of the armed forces and ensure the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
Responding to a written question from Netrokona-5 lawmaker Masum Mostafa during the budget session of the Jatiya Sangsad, the prime minister said the military modernisation programme comprises a three-year plan followed by a seven-year plan.
He said implementation of the programme would transform the Bangladesh Army into a more technology-driven, multidimensional, self-reliant and combat-ready force capable of playing a more effective role in national defence, border security and the protection of the country’s sovereignty.
The prime minister said the plan would significantly enhance the Army’s overall combat capability through the induction of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles to strengthen land warfare, modern artillery systems, rocket launchers and anti-tank weapons to improve long-range precision strike capability, and short- and medium-range air defence systems to bolster aerial protection.
He said the planned acquisition of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (C-UAV) systems and advanced surveillance equipment would substantially improve intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and situational awareness.
The Army’s strategic and operational mobility would also be strengthened through enhanced capabilities for air assault operations, air transportation of troops and equipment, and riverine deployment of personnel and logistics, he added.
The prime minister said the government also plans to build adequate wartime stockpiles of artillery ammunition, Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) rockets, tank ammunition, anti-tank guided missiles and other weapons and ammunition to ensure sustained combat capability during prolonged military operations and emergencies.
To reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, he said, the government has undertaken initiatives to strengthen the domestic defence industry by expanding local production capacity.
The programme includes developing manufacturing infrastructure and technological capability for producing fuses and primers, modern assault rifles, anti-tank guided missiles, bulletproof jackets, helmets and other critical military equipment. The initiative is expected to reduce import dependence while strengthening the country’s defence industrial base and ensuring long-term sustainability of military supplies.
On the modernisation of the Bangladesh Navy, the prime minister said the government has taken a series of measures to develop the force into a modern, efficient and capable maritime service.
He said naval surface combatants and aircraft are currently deployed round the clock to strengthen maritime surveillance and safeguard national sovereignty and security at sea, and these operations will continue.
Future plans include the induction of modern frigates, corvettes, offshore patrol vessels and submarines, along with various types of unmanned platforms. The government also plans to construct new naval bases, upgrade existing facilities, expand domestic shipbuilding capability, enhance advanced training and human resource development for naval personnel, and increase international cooperation and joint military exercises.
Referring to the modernisation of the Bangladesh Air Force, the prime minister said that under the Forces Goal 2030 programme, the government plans to induct fourth-generation Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA), fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, VIP helicopters, anti-drone systems, UAV systems, Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS), Passive Detection Systems (PDS), Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MSAM) systems, and long-range and air traffic surveillance radars.
He said the planned acquisitions would significantly strengthen Bangladesh’s air defence capability and help ensure national sovereignty and security in line with the country’s long-term defence strategy.
Responding to a question of Akhtar Hossain, lawmaker from Rangpur-5 constituency, the Prime Minister said government has plan to establish a Defence Industrial Zone to build defence industry and to reduce dependence on import.
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