PM’s Defence Adviser visits Khulna shipyard, reviews operations

Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam on Wednesday visited Khulna Shipyard Limited (KSL), a Bangladesh Navy-operated state-owned shipbuilding facility.

During his tour, he visited various sections of the shipyard and inspected ongoing shipbuilding projects, and he also held a views-exchange meeting with the relevant officials, according to a press release from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate issued this afternoon.

“Khulna Shipyard has been making significant contributions to the country’s maritime and defence industries through the construction, repair and maintenance of various military and civilian vessels, including ships of the Bangladesh Navy,” the release mentioned.

Putting emphasis on enhancing the shipyard’s capabilities, production efficiency and technological excellence, the Defence Adviser said Khulna Shipyard plays a vital role in the development of the country’s defence industry in line with the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ policy, designed by the incumbent government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“Dr Shamsul highly appreciated the contribution of the institution to the growth of the national shipbuilding industry as well as its professional and technical expertise,” the ISPR added.

Earlier the adviser was apprised by the authorities concerned of the overall progress, construction quality and technical features of various ongoing projects, including Landing Craft Tanks (LCTs), dredgers, tugboats, crane boats, pilot vessels, survey vessels and search-and-rescue vessels.

Expressing satisfaction over the shipyard’s work plan, he hoped that all projects would be implemented successfully within the stipulated timeframe.

Subsequently, the adviser visited different production and support facilities of the shipyard, including the Plater Shop, Machine Shop, Carpentry Shop, Rubber Factory, Docking Division and Electrical Shop.

The adviser also learned about the shipyard’s technological capabilities, skilled workforce, and modern production infrastructure, as well as its future expansion and modernisation plans.

“Lastly, expressing his satisfaction with the overall activities of KSL, Dr Shamsul Islam wished its continued success in advancing the country’s shipbuilding and defence industries in the days to come,” the ISPR added.