Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday announced a package of action plans and initiatives to build a three-dimensional naval force at a ceremony commissioning two patrol vessels in the Bangladesh Navy.

The prime minister, who is also in charge of the Defence Ministry, formally commissioned the two offshore patrol vessels (OPV), BNS Kapatakhya and BNS Karotoa, at the naval jetty of BNS Issa Khan by unveiling their nameplates and handing over the commissioning orders to the two commanding officers.

It was followed by hoisting of national flags, commissioning pennants and naval ensigns at the mastheads of the ships as a mark of their joining the Bangladesh Navy fleet.

Both the vessels were in active service in the British Royal Navy prior to the procurement from the

UK.

A contingent comprising 43 Navy members, including eight officers, led by their commanding officers boarded each offshore patrol vessel during the commissioning.

Ministers, diplomats, MPs, chiefs of three services, high civil and military officials and members of the elite were present at the commissioning function.

The prime minister informed her audience that three more patrol vessels would be added to the naval force in the coming year and the procurement process of two patrol boats was already in the final stage.

She further said the government has planned to add helicopters to naval ships and include Naval Air Arm in the naval force apart from procuring ships and other military equipment.

Khaleda Zia also disclosed the

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government's plan to procure hydrographic-oceanographic survey and research vessel considering the steadily growing working area of the naval force.

She said steps have also been taken to build warships at the country's own shipyard.

Describing various steps and training courses for the naval force, the prime minister hoped that the navy would carry out its duty more sincerely in ensuring security in sea, stopping arms smuggling, preventing sea pollution and protecting sea resources.

She thanked the UK government and the British Royal Navy for their continuing assistance and cooperation in development and modernisation of Bangladesh Navy.