Tk 860b plan drawn up on military modernisation

FE REPORT | Published: July 08, 2026 23:41:43

The government has adopted a 10-year defence-modernisation plan requiring an estimated Tk 860 billion to bolster capabilities of the armed forces and ensure Bangladesh's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security, says Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Responding to a written question from Netrakona-5 lawmaker Masum Mostafa during the current budget session of the Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday, he told the lawmakers that the military-modernisation programme comprises a three-year plan followed by a seven-year one.
"Implementation of the programme would transform Bangladesh Army into a more technology-driven, multidimensional, self-reliant and combat-ready force capable of playing a more effective role in national defence, border security and protection of the country's sovereignty," he explains.
The prime minister further says the plan would significantly enhance the army's overall combat capability through the induction of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles to strengthen land warfare, modern artillery systems, rocket launchers and anti-tank weapons to improve long-range precision-strike capability and short- and medium-range air-defence systems to bolster aerial protection.
He mentions that planned acquisition of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (C-UAV) systems and advanced surveillance equipment would substantially improve intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and situational awareness.
"The army's strategic and operational mobility would also strengthen through enhanced capabilities for air-assault operations, air transportation of troops and equipment, and riverine deployment of personnel and logistics," states the premier's response readout to the House.
The government also plans to build adequate wartime stockpiles of artillery ammunition, Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) rockets, tank ammunition, anti-tank guided missiles and other weapons and ammunition to ensure sustained combat capability during prolonged military operations and emergencies.
To reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, he says, the government has undertaken initiatives to strengthen the domestic defence industry by expanding local production capacity.
The programme includes developing manufacturing infrastructure and technological capability for producing fuses and primers, modern assault rifles, anti-tank guided missiles, bulletproof jackets, helmets and other critical military equipment. The initiative is expected to reduce import dependence while strengthening the country's defence-industrial base and ensuring long-term sustainability of military supplies.
On the modernisation of Bangladesh Navy, the prime minister states that the government has taken a series of measures to develop the force into a modern, efficient and capable maritime service.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com