The government has started groundwork to begin export of arms, ammunition and explosives as the country produces a plentiful number of the items over domestic demand, officials said.
The Ministry of Defence recently sought to know from the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) the opinion and procedures of exporting arms, ammunition and explosives, they added.
According to the officials, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited the Bangladesh Ordnance Factories (BOF) on May 21 last where she was told that some products of the BOF remains surplus after meeting the domestic demand.
The BOF has attained the capability of producing adequate volume of arms, ammunition and explosives. Moreover, it has earned the capacity to export the items after meeting the local needs.
Being informed about the capability of BOF, the Prime Minister expressed happiness and asked the officials concerned to take necessary steps for exporting arms, ammunition and explosives.
A senior official at the MoC acknowledged having received a letter from the defence ministry to this effect.
He said the ministry is examining the necessary rules and regulations before giving an opinion on arms, ammunitions, and explosives export. The official said the MoC will soon inform the defence ministry about the procedures of exporting the items.
Senior Secretary of the defence ministry Kazi Habibul Awal, however, could not be reached for a comment despite several attempts made by the FE.
On its website the Bangladesh Ordnance Factory has stated that it can manufacture Automatic Rifle BD-08, Ball, Tracer, Blank and API ammunition for Rifle, SMG and LMG, HMG, NATO Rifle G-3, Hand Grenade Arges-84 and its Fuse, 105 mm Artillery HE and Blank Ammunition, and small arms spares and repair small arms, ammunition boxes, and wooden parts for rifle.
syful-islam@outlook.com
Govt moves to export arms, ammunitions
Syful Islam | Published: July 30, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2024 06:01:00
Share if you like