The government has decided to buy three inshore patrol vessels worth Tk. 266.72 crore in all for the Bangladesh Coast Guard. The vessels would be bought from Khulna Shipyard Ltd, an independent commercial enterprise operated by the Bangladesh Navy (BN). The cabinet committee on purchase yesterday approved the home ministry's proposal to buy the three vessels.
A senior official of the Bangladesh Coast Guard told The Independent that they would buy the patrol vessels under the "Enhancement of the Operational Capability of Bangladesh Coast Guard" project. “The vessels will help curb crimes in the country’s coastal areas,” he said.
Sources said the paramilitary force will also buy four corvettes—Minerva, Urania, Danaide and Sibilla—from Italy. Two of the ships would be included in the coastal force’s fleet by July. More offshore patrol vessels, harbour patrol boats, patrol craft sweepers, safe defenders and metal shark boats would be procured to conduct marine and coastal operations, they added.
According to the sources, the coast guard has 10 stations—Supati, Dubeki, Kokilmoni, Puspokathi, Nidraskina, Ramgati, Sandwip, Kutubdia, Moheshkhali and Teknaf. More manpower, offshore patrol vessels and modern equipment are required to strengthen the force.
Some 518-odd posts, including that of commander (1), lieutenant commander (10) and lieutenant (25), have been created to strengthen the force so as to stop piracy and smuggling. The other posts include that of master chief petty officer (16), chief petty officer (16), petty officer (50), leading seaman (113), able seaman (275) and driver (12).
At present, there are 1,835 posts in the coast guard, including one post of director general, one deputy director general, five directors, three zonal commanders, and 14 deputy directors.
Sources said the paramilitary force is preparing proposals to buy two helicopters and important equipment as well.