Japan has handed over five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme, marking a significant step in strengthening security cooperation between the two countries.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is the first OSA project for Bangladesh under Japan’s FY2023 assistance programme.
The support aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Bangladesh Navy in the Bay of Bengal, particularly in monitoring, surveillance and disaster response operations.
The assistance is expected to help strengthen maritime security not only in the Bay of Bengal but also across the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Japan described Bangladesh as a strategic partner, noting the country’s key geographical position along vital maritime routes in the Bay of Bengal.
The handover ceremony was held at BNS Nirvik in Chattogram on July 2.
Among those present were Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomoaki, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi, and Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser AKM Shamsul Islam.
At the ceremony, the Bangladeshi side expressed gratitude for the support and voiced optimism that the OSA initiative would deepen bilateral security cooperation.
Officials also praised Japan’s continued contribution to regional peace, security and stability.
Shimada said he hoped the assistance would further strengthen cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan in the security sector.
Official Security Assistance is Japan’s grant-based framework for supporting armed forces and related institutions in partner countries through equipment, supplies and infrastructure development.
The programme aims to strengthen the security and deterrence capabilities of recipient countries while contributing to regional and international peace and stability.
