Sangsad Bhaban, Feb 4 (UNB) - The government has taken the initiative to procure various types of equipment and materials this fiscal year to further modernize the Bangladesh Armed Forces, Parliament was informed today (Thursday).

Replying to a written question of M Harunur Rashid (BNP-Chandpur), Planning Minister Air Vice-Marshal (retd) AK Khandaker, who is in charge of Armed Forces Division in Parliament, said the government would buy seven tanks and one Armed Recovery Vehicle (ARV) for Bangladesh Army.
Initiatives have also been taken to procure 80 Armed Personnel Carrier (APC), five ARV, five APC ambulances and two helicopters for the UN Missions, he said.

The Minister further informed the House that the government on principle approved and allocated necessary fund to implement a project for doubling the capacity of ammunitions of small arms in Bangladesh Ordnance Factory.

He said that as part of the 10-year development plan for Bangladesh Navy the government would procure two maritime patrol aircraft through international tender.

To replace the old vessels of Bangladesh Navy, Khulna Shipyard will build five patrol craft while two large patrol craft to be built/procured from shipyard at home/aboard, one hydrographic survey ship to be built/procured and build one oil-tanker (under process).

Khandaker said the government also has a plan to procure used frigate from the friendly countries through government-to-government negotiation.

He further said that the process is going on to procure large patrol craft and off-shore patrol vessel from the Royal British Navy.

To increase the work-skill of Bangladesh Navy, steps have been taken to upgrade/include modern missile in missile boat and patrol craft.

The Planning Minister informed the House that the government also has a plan to procure one land to air missile system, one air defense radar, two helicopters, one squadron of jet plane and missiles to fire from jets for Bangladesh Air Force.