Bangladesh
Bangladesh Navy Naval exercise ends with successful launch of missile in the Bay of Bengal
Dhaka, January 15: The Bangladesh Navy's annual sea exercise 'Exercise Safeguard-2020' has come to an end with the successful launch of a missile in the Bay of Bengal. Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury was present as the chief guest on the last day of the exercise on Thursday (January 14). Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal was also present on the occasion.
A significant number of ships including 'Frigate', 'Corvette', 'OPV', 'Minesweeper', 'Petrolcraft', 'Missile Boat' and Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Helicopters and Specialized Forces 'SWADS' participated in the 18-day exercise. Concerned maritime organisations including Bangladesh Coast Guard, Army and Air Force also take part in it directly or indirectly.
Notable aspects of the exercise, which was conducted in four phases, included naval exercises, maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, logistics operations, landing operations, and defense exercises of coastal naval installations.
The main theme of this annual naval exercise was to preserve the sovereignty of the country in the sea area, protection of marine resources, prevention of smuggling including provision of maritime security, curbing piracy, conservation of biodiversity in coastal areas and ensuring patrol in sea areas.
Notable topics on the last day of the exercise were launch of missiles from Bangladesh Navy ships, Anti-Air Rapid Open Fire, RDC Fire, VBSS / Naval Commando exercises and various naval tactics.
After the successful completion of the exercise, the chief guest in his speech congratulated all the officers and sailors of Chittagong Naval Zone and appreciated the professionalism, efficiency and diligence of the naval members.
He mentioned the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to build a strong navy for the protection of independence and sovereignty of the country and for economic development and expressed the continuous efforts of the present government towards that goal. He also appreciated the active role of Bangladesh Navy in the national economy besides protecting the country's maritime borders.
