Defence adviser calls for boosting domestic maritime capability

Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam on Monday said strengthening domestic capability is essential for ensuring maritime security and protecting national interests.

He made the remarks during a visit to the Bangladesh Navy-operated Narayanganj Dockyard, where he reviewed ongoing activities aimed at enhancing naval strength, defence capacity and maritime preparedness, according to a statement from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate.

During the visit, the defence adviser was briefed on the dockyard’s shipbuilding and repair facilities, technical infrastructure, production capacity, maintenance systems and ongoing development projects under the Bangladesh Navy. He also inspected key installations, workshops, production units, repair facilities and other operational areas.

Highlighting the importance of a strong local naval industry, he said expanding domestic shipbuilding, repair and maintenance capabilities is crucial for safeguarding maritime security and national sovereignty.

He stressed that the Narayanganj Dockyard should be developed into a modern, efficient and technologically advanced naval industrial hub through improved infrastructure, skilled manpower development and enhanced management systems.

The adviser also emphasised quality assurance, timely execution, technological efficiency and professional discipline in all operational activities of the dockyard. He instructed authorities to strengthen institutional capacity through the adoption of modern technology and structured training programmes.

“National defence preparedness must be reinforced through maximum utilisation of domestic resources, local expertise and indigenous technology,” he said, adding that all development initiatives must align with national interests.

He described the dockyard as a key pillar of Bangladesh’s maritime capability and self-reliance, urging officials, engineers and technical staff to work with dedication, professionalism and a strong sense of patriotism.

Senior officials of the Bangladesh Navy and the Narayanganj Dockyard were present during the visit.