Bangladesh to organize 1st-ever fleet review to boost naval diplomacy

By Md. Kamruzzaman

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - Bangladesh for the first time will organiza a four-day International Fleet Review (IFR) to be launched on Tuesday on the southern Bay of Bengal in the border district of Cox’s Bazar, according to an official source of the navy.

“IFR 2022, organized by Bangladesh Navy, intends to promote goodwill, strengthen cooperation, and showcase Bangladesh Navy’s organizational capabilities,” according to a statement by the navy published on its official site.

Underlining the first-ever IFR as a great opportunity for Bangladesh, the statement added that through this fleet review, the country's navy will interact with other navies in Bangladeshi waters, exert naval diplomacy, and promote tourism.

This program will have a great impact on socio-economic and infrastructural development in the coastal areas of Bangladesh, the statement said and added that the arrangement has been planned to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, a commander in the navy, on condition of anonymity as he is not the authorized person to talk to media, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will formally inaugurate the fleet review, with the participation of members of navies and coast guards of 28 countries, including Türkiye, the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Korea, Indonesia, and the Netherlands.

The event includes a beach parade, glimpses of the activities of special forces, and the fleet review, he added.