BNS Sheikh Hasina is the largest submarine base in South Asia. The video below talks about various security facilities of Sheikh Hasina submarine base.
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Bangladesh Defense Forum 
Glorious chapter opens with Bangladesh’s first submarine base: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said a glorious chapter opened in the country’s military history with the commission of its first-ever submarine base in Cox’s Bazar. “A glorious chapter started in the military history of Bangladesh as a full-fledged and modern submarine ba
Glorious chapter opens with Bangladesh’s first submarine base: PM
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Mar 20, 2023 17:21Published :
Updated :
Mar 20, 2023 17:24Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said a glorious chapter opened in the country’s military history with the commission of its first-ever submarine base in Cox’s Bazar.
“A glorious chapter started in the military history of Bangladesh as a full-fledged and modern submarine base is being commissioned in the Bangladesh Navy,” she said.
The premier was addressing the commissioning ceremony of the country’s first submarine base ‘BNS Sheikh Hasina’ of Bangladesh Navy at Pekua in Cox’s Bazar through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganabhaban, reports UNB.
She said her government established the Bangladesh Navy as a full-fledged three-dimensional force by adding two submarines (“BNS Navajatra” and “BNS Joyjatra”) to the naval fleet on March 12, 2017.
Hasina asked the members of Bangladesh Navy to work for building the country alongside their professional duty, by playing supportive role to unlock potentials of the blue economy.
“I hope that being imbued with the spirit of patriotism, every member of Bangladesh Navy will continue their endeavors to build the country as hunger-poverty-free, developed and prosperous Bangladesh as dreamt by Father of the Nation, alongside performing their professional duty. Because, we’ve taken a blue economy policy to explore our huge marine resources,” she said.
She said the government has taken steps to utilise marine resources for the country’s economic development. Besides, Bangladesh has many scopes to develop its tourism industry, she said.
The PM said her government has been building the armed forces as capable ones to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, if Bangladesh is attacked.
“We don't want to make war with anyone. But, we have to attain enough efficiency to protect our independence and sovereignty, if Bangladesh falls into such a situation. We’re preparing our forces keeping that in mind,” she said.
In the last 14 years, a total of 31 warships, including 4 frigates, 6 corvettes, 4 large patrol crafts, 5 patrol crafts and 2 training ships were added to the fleet of Bangladesh Navy, she said.
Sheikh Hasina also thanked Bangladesh Navy as the force is not only building ships for Bangladesh, but also constructing various water vessels and exporting these to different countries.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal delivered the welcome speech from Pekua venue.
On PM’s permission, the Chief of Naval Staff handed over the commissioning forman (order) to commanding officer of the submarine base Commodore M Atiqur Rahman.
In the function, the nameplate of BNS Sheikh Hasina was unveiled.
The newly constructed submarine base can accommodate a total of six submarines and eight warships at a time.
A step towards maritime capacity building
Bangladesh has operationalised its first submarine base with modern basin facilities for the Navy at Pekua of Cox's Bazar to offer secure jetty facilities for submarines and warships in the port. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the first submarine base of Bangladesh ‘BNS Sheikh Hasin
A step towards maritime capacity building
SAUME SAPTAPARNA NATHPublished :
Mar 22, 2023 18:55Updated :
Mar 22, 2023 18:57
On the day, she joined the ceremonially built base at Pekua in Cox's Bazar via a video conference from Ganobhaban. On March 3, 2017, the prime minister laid the cornerstone for the submarine facility, one of Bangladesh's most notable navy diplomatic successes.
The station, which cost USD 1.21 billion to construct, can house up to eight warships and six submarines simultaneously. The base's location in the Bay of Bengal will enable the submarines to move quickly and safely in case of need.
The administration headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has begun putting the 'Forces Goal-2030' into practice since taking office in 2009.
“We believe in that principle that we do not want to fight with anyone. But each of our institutions is a symbol of independence and sovereignty, and we want them to excel in all fields,” the PM said.
To turn the Navy into a modern and strong regional force, the government is taking and implementing realistic plans such as various infrastructural developments, incorporation of warships into the Navy, and strengthening the operational capacity of the existing ships.
Besides, a smart navy is also needed for a smart Bangladesh in 2041, so the government is revamping the navy. With the growing geo-political significance and advent of new security threats, the submarine base is considered a remarkable step towards maritime capacity.
A new chapter in maritime capability
Bangabandhu enacted the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act in 1974 to establish Bangladesh's rights in maritime areas, and the United Nations enacted this law in 1982.
The Father of the Nation also raised the demand for establishing a naval headquarters in East Bengal in the historic six points.
After 2009, the present government formulated the 'Forces Goal 2030' in line with Bangabandhu's Defense Policy-1974 and has been implementing the goal of transforming the armed forces into modern and timely.
In the last 14 years, 31 warships, including four frigates, six corvettes, four large patrol craft, five petrol craft, and two training ships, have been added to the Fleet of the Bangladesh Navy. The Navy was established as a three-dimensional force with two submarines attached in 2017.
Two submarines, 'BNS Navajatra' and 'BNS Joyjatra,' were added to Bangladesh's armada in November 2016, making the Bangladesh Navy a fully functional 'three-dimensional' force in line with the nation's Military Objectives. The two Ming-class submarines are now docked aboard the 'BNS Issa Khan' at Chittagong, the Bangladeshi Navy's main naval base.
The Navy had a difficult time berthing in the Karnaphuli River, encircled by Chittagong Port, the busiest port in the nation, since port business had to be put on hold while the submarines were being moved. The submarines also required a unique berthing area and additional armour facilities to shield them from aerial attacks.
Thus, the administration chose to enlist the construction of a submarine base to satisfy these needs. The latest submarine base is another new milestone for Bangladesh in military power.
Strategic significance
The long-running maritime border dispute between Bangladesh and its neighbours India and Myanmar has been resolved by an international tribunal, allowing Dhaka to call for bids from international companies to search for oil in the Bay.
The amicable resolution of maritime disputes has guaranteed the nation's sovereignty over 111,631 square kilometres of the sea or nearly all of its landmass. Hence, Bangladesh is expanding its Navy's capabilities, so it can play a bigger part in protecting the nation's extensive marine regions, which are abundant in natural resources, combating human trafficking and smuggling, assuring the safety of fishermen, and safeguarding the passage of commerce ships.
The presence of the submarine station would also enhance Bangladesh's ability to project its capabilities, showcasing its naval might and aptitude for utilising cutting-edge technology. Building the submarine station will improve Bangladesh's defence capabilities and increase its naval influence. Submarines will increase national security and sovereignty by acting as a deterrence to potential aggressors.
Enhance blue economy
The Prime Minister praised the newly opened naval installation as an 'ultra-modern submarine base' and described the occasion as a proud chapter in the history of the Bangladeshi navy. Establishing this site is predicted to positively affect the Blue Economy, unconventional security, defence, naval modernisation, capacity projection, and interregional cooperation.
In the submarine base in the seashore city, two submarines and a support vessel may dock.
Bangladesh's Blue Economy, which significantly boosts the country's economy, is highly relied upon. Nevertheless, the issue of piracy in the area and a lack of marine security have hampered the growth of this business.
The submarine facility will help Bangladesh improve the protection of its maritime resources and promote its Blue Economy. With a larger naval presence, Bangladesh can better monitor its coastal waterways and deter illegal activities like piracy and smuggling.
Greater role in regional integration
By establishing the submarine base, regional cooperation would be enhanced. Bangladesh can work with its neighbours to enhance maritime security, protect marine resources, and fend off unusual security challenges.
The station might be the hub for coordinated exercises and training involving other local fleets, promoting tighter regional cooperation.
Bangladesh will be better equipped to safeguard its maritime boundaries and combat less prevalent security issues like piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking by constructing a submarine station. The facility will also help Bangladesh respond more successfully to local natural catastrophes like cyclones, floods, and tsunamis.
Bangladesh may anticipate a safer and wealthier future thanks to the construction of this new facility, which will provide the country with a strong naval presence to defend its interests and demonstrate its capabilities in the region.
At a crucial time for the Bangladeshi Navy, the construction of this submarine station marks the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh's maritime capabilities.
The writer is a Research Associate at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs.
Chinese Submarines 'Sneak' Into India's Backyard; Set To Dock Warships Right Under Indian Nose In Bangladesh
Chinese submarines and warships will dock right under India’s nose very soon. In place of supplying submarines to the Bangladesh Navy, China is constructing a port in Cox’s Bazar, which was inaugurated earlier this year. Satellite imagery suggests that China has made significant progress on the...
www.eurasiantimes.com
Chinese Submarines ‘Sneak’ Into India’s Backyard; Set To Dock Warships Right Under Indian Nose In Bangladesh
Chinese submarines and warships will dock right under India’s nose very soon. In place of supplying submarines to the Bangladesh Navy, China is constructing a port in Cox’s Bazar, which was inaugurated earlier this year.Satellite imagery suggests that China has made significant progress on the naval base, and the size of the base indicates that PLA-Navy will soon gain “logistical access” to the base.
In other words, the Chinese submarines will call and dock at the Bangladesh port for refurbishment and servicing. The experts are calling it China’s “submarine diplomacy”.
“Gaining a foothold in the Bay of Bengal would significantly level up the PLA’s ability to operate farther from China’s shores and create new challenges for India, as well as the United States and its allies,” a recent analysis of satellite imagery of the under-construction naval base in Bangladesh revealed.
Bangladesh ordered its first two submarines from China in 2013 for the meagre price of just US$203 million as a part of its military modernization under the Forces Goal 2030. The submarines are Type 035G diesel-electric attack submarines, a Ming-class variant first commissioned into the PLA Navy (PLAN) in 1990.
China refitted and upgraded the two vessels before handing them over to Bangladesh in 2016, but their capabilities still lag behind any modern attack submarine. A year after delivering the submarines, the Chinese state-owned defense contractor Poly Technologies secured a US$1.2-billion contract with Bangladesh to build a new submarine support facility on the country’s south-eastern coast.
Christened the BNS Sheikh Hasina Naval Base, after the incumbent Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the base is constructed on a sprawling 1.75 square kilometer. The construction began in 2020, and the base was inaugurated in March 2023 by PM Sheikh Hasina, who called it “ultra-modern.” Several Chinese officials, including at least two senior PLA-N officers, attended the ceremony.
“Satellite imagery from July 2023 shows that construction continues. Despite the ongoing work, Bangladesh has already stationed its Chinese-made submarines there. Once completed, the base will be capable of docking six submarines and eight warships simultaneously,” the report titled “Submarine Diplomacy- A Snapshot of China’s Influence along the Bay of Bengal” read.
The Bay of Bengal lies on top of the sea lanes of communication that connect China, Japan, and Korea with the Middle East and Africa, and through these lanes, half of the world trade passes.
The Bay of Bengal is the largest in the world, nestled between India on the East and Indonesia on the West, while Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar are the coastal countries. The region’s economic, diplomatic, and security importance attracts significant powers in the East and the West (China, Japan, India, the US, and even Russia).
“Military-to-military exchanges also support China’s strategic objectives. Closer defense ties may help the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) secure access to logistics facilities needed to sustain future naval operations in the region.” the report reads.
The US Department of Defense included both Bangladesh and Myanmar on its list of locations where Beijing is likely striving to establish overseas military facilities.
Bangladesh officials have confirmed that the Chinese personnel are also involved in training its submariners on how to operate the submarines and the new base. Prime Minister Hasina has also noted that the facility could be used as “a service point for ships sailing in the Bay of Bengal” — a potential signal that the PLA-N may one day call at the port there.
China, on its part, has kept the details of the project under wraps as it would not like to antagonize India, which has repeatedly raised the increasing military presence of China and set up military infrastructure in its area of dominance.
“Beijing may also be seeking to avoid stoking additional unease among the United States and its allies,” the experts noted. The region is essential for the US policy of a ‘Free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific,’ a euphemism for checking China’s assertiveness.
China’s Type 94 Jin-class ballistic missile submarine
China’s ‘Triangle Of Death’
“For India, the presence of Chinese-built submarines in the Bay of Bengal, in a way, makes it a very crowded water body as far as underwater activities are concerned. And it also legitimizes the Chinese presence in more ways than one. It complicates the underwater picture for India,” Commodore (retd) Uday C. Bhaskar, Director of the Society for Policy Studies, told the EurAsian Times.
The two submarines in the Bangladesh Navy don’t pose a significant threat to India, the Asian giant that surrounds Bangladesh from three sides and has a substantial strategic interest in the Bay of Bengal. But the two submarines did come with Chinese officials onboard to train and familiarize the Bangladesh crew with the vessels.
Also, the submarine base will need maintenance and operational support from Chinese personnel. Its proximity to India’s Eastern Naval Command, where its indigenous nuclear submarine is under construction, is a cause of concern.
“China has long sought access to the BoB and the Arabian Sea because of its limited and unfavorable maritime geography, particularly along the Western Pacific. The entry into the BoB for China is being facilitated considerably earlier by Myanmar and now by Bangladesh,” Commodore Bhaskar added.
The three Chinese-run South Asian ports – Chittagong in Bangladesh, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Gwadar in Pakistan – have formed a “triangle of death” encircling India. They can prove detrimental to New Delhi’s strategy to maintain strategic dominance in its backyard.
An independent political and energy analyst from Sri Lanka, Aruna Kulatunga, told the South China Morning Post that India views Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan as “de facto satellite states of China because they have leased out land to China.”
The Sri Lankan analyst says these countries form a “triangle of death.” “For (India), it is like strangulation,” he said, adding that New Delhi needs to put more resources into protecting vital sea routes.
Ritu Sharma has been a journalist for over a decade, writing on defense, foreign affairs, and nuclear technology.
The two submarines in the Bangladesh Navy don’t pose a significant threat to India, the Asian giant that surrounds Bangladesh from three sides and has a substantial strategic interest in the Bay of Bengal. But the two submarines did come with Chinese officials onboard to train and familiarize the Bangladesh crew with the vessels.
Also, the submarine base will need maintenance and operational support from Chinese personnel. Its proximity to India’s Eastern Naval Command, where its indigenous nuclear submarine is under construction, is a cause of concern.
“China has long sought access to the BoB and the Arabian Sea because of its limited and unfavorable maritime geography, particularly along the Western Pacific. The entry into the BoB for China is being facilitated considerably earlier by Myanmar and now by Bangladesh,” Commodore Bhaskar added.
The three Chinese-run South Asian ports – Chittagong in Bangladesh, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Gwadar in Pakistan – have formed a “triangle of death” encircling India. They can prove detrimental to New Delhi’s strategy to maintain strategic dominance in its backyard.
An independent political and energy analyst from Sri Lanka, Aruna Kulatunga, told the South China Morning Post that India views Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan as “de facto satellite states of China because they have leased out land to China.”
The Sri Lankan analyst says these countries form a “triangle of death.” “For (India), it is like strangulation,” he said, adding that New Delhi needs to put more resources into protecting vital sea routes.
Ritu Sharma has been a journalist for over a decade, writing on defense, foreign affairs, and nuclear technology.
A video on BNS Sheikh Hasina---the largest submarine base in South Asia.
Bangladesh’s first submarine base starts operation Monday
PM Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone on March 3, 2017
Bangladesh's first submarine base starts operation Monday
PM Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone on March 3, 2017
Ali Asif Shawon, from Cox'sbazar
Publish : 20 Mar 2023, 12:00 AMUpdate : 20 Mar 2023, 08:32 AM
Bangladesh is set to operationalize its very first submarine base with modern basin facilities for the Navy at Pekua of Cox's Bazar to provide safe jetty facilities to submarines and warships at the harbour.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the submarine base at "BNS Sheikh Hasina" virtually from her official residence, Ganabhaban in the morning.
Built at a cost of $1.21 billion, the base can accommodate a total of six submarines and eight warships at a time. It will allow for safe and swift movement of the submarines in case of emergency, as the base is located at the Bay of Bengal.
The premier laid the foundation stone of the submarine base, which is one of the most remarkable naval diplomacy achievements of Bangladesh, on March 3, 2017.
After coming to power in 2009, the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has started implementing the "Forces Goal-2030" in light of the defence policy formulated by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Submarine Fleet Headquarters at the BNS Sheikh Hasina COURTESY "To turn the Navy into a modern and regional strong force, the government is taking and implementing realistic plans such as various infrastructural developments, incorporation of warships to the Navy and strengthening the operational capacity of the existing ships," Sheikh Hasina had said.
Strategic importance
In 2016, Xi Jinping became the first Chinese president in 30 years to visit Bangladesh, which has historically been more closely allied with India.
After the visit of Xi Jinping, two submarines were bought from China and Chinese experts committed to building the submarine base in Bangladesh, which became a big concern for India, according to regional experts.
In recent years, Bangladesh has expanded its defence capabilities, building a new airbase close to neighbouring Myanmar, opening several new cantonments across the country, and adding new frigates to its naval fleet.
An international tribunal has settled Bangladesh's long-standing maritime border disputes with neighbours Myanmar and India, paving the way for Dhaka to invite bids from multinational firms to explore for oil in the Bay.
Officials say the settlement has ensured the country's sovereignty over 111,631sq-km of the sea, an area nearly equal to its landmass.
In 2016, two submarines were added to Bangladesh's armada Courtesy
Bangladesh is bolstering the capacity of the Navy so it can play a stronger role in ensuring the safety of the country's vast maritime areas, which are rich with natural resources, as well as preventing human trafficking and smuggling, and ensuring the security of fishermen and the safe passage of merchant ships.
Easing movement
In November 2016, two submarines - "BNS Navajatra" and "BNS Joyjatra" - were added to Bangladesh's armada, turning the Bangladesh Navy into a truly full-fledged "three-dimensional" force in line with the Forces Goals of the country.
Both the submarines are type 035G class; 76 metres in length and 7.6 metres in width, and equipped with torpedoes and mines capable of targeting enemy warships and submarines.
The two Ming-class submarines currently berth in the "BNS Issa Khan", at the largest naval base of the Bangladeshi Navy in Chittagong, according to officials.
Berthing in the Karnaphuli River surrounded by the country's busiest port Chittagong Port was tough for the Navy, because commercial operations at the port needed to be suspended during the movement of the submarines.
In addition, the submarines also needed a special basin to berth and further armour facilities to protect them from air strikes.
To meet these demands the government decided to build a submarine base with the help of China. The plan was not easy to execute for Bangladesh, which is surrounded by India and Myanmar, said officials.
PM Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone on March 3, 2017
Ali Asif Shawon, from Cox'sbazar
Publish : 20 Mar 2023, 12:00 AMUpdate : 20 Mar 2023, 08:32 AM
Bangladesh is set to operationalize its very first submarine base with modern basin facilities for the Navy at Pekua of Cox's Bazar to provide safe jetty facilities to submarines and warships at the harbour.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the submarine base at "BNS Sheikh Hasina" virtually from her official residence, Ganabhaban in the morning.
Built at a cost of $1.21 billion, the base can accommodate a total of six submarines and eight warships at a time. It will allow for safe and swift movement of the submarines in case of emergency, as the base is located at the Bay of Bengal.
The premier laid the foundation stone of the submarine base, which is one of the most remarkable naval diplomacy achievements of Bangladesh, on March 3, 2017.
After coming to power in 2009, the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has started implementing the "Forces Goal-2030" in light of the defence policy formulated by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Submarine Fleet Headquarters at the BNS Sheikh Hasina COURTESY "To turn the Navy into a modern and regional strong force, the government is taking and implementing realistic plans such as various infrastructural developments, incorporation of warships to the Navy and strengthening the operational capacity of the existing ships," Sheikh Hasina had said.
Strategic importance
In 2016, Xi Jinping became the first Chinese president in 30 years to visit Bangladesh, which has historically been more closely allied with India.
After the visit of Xi Jinping, two submarines were bought from China and Chinese experts committed to building the submarine base in Bangladesh, which became a big concern for India, according to regional experts.
In recent years, Bangladesh has expanded its defence capabilities, building a new airbase close to neighbouring Myanmar, opening several new cantonments across the country, and adding new frigates to its naval fleet.
An international tribunal has settled Bangladesh's long-standing maritime border disputes with neighbours Myanmar and India, paving the way for Dhaka to invite bids from multinational firms to explore for oil in the Bay.
Officials say the settlement has ensured the country's sovereignty over 111,631sq-km of the sea, an area nearly equal to its landmass.
In 2016, two submarines were added to Bangladesh's armada Courtesy
Bangladesh is bolstering the capacity of the Navy so it can play a stronger role in ensuring the safety of the country's vast maritime areas, which are rich with natural resources, as well as preventing human trafficking and smuggling, and ensuring the security of fishermen and the safe passage of merchant ships.
Easing movement
In November 2016, two submarines - "BNS Navajatra" and "BNS Joyjatra" - were added to Bangladesh's armada, turning the Bangladesh Navy into a truly full-fledged "three-dimensional" force in line with the Forces Goals of the country.
Both the submarines are type 035G class; 76 metres in length and 7.6 metres in width, and equipped with torpedoes and mines capable of targeting enemy warships and submarines.
The two Ming-class submarines currently berth in the "BNS Issa Khan", at the largest naval base of the Bangladeshi Navy in Chittagong, according to officials.
Berthing in the Karnaphuli River surrounded by the country's busiest port Chittagong Port was tough for the Navy, because commercial operations at the port needed to be suspended during the movement of the submarines.
In addition, the submarines also needed a special basin to berth and further armour facilities to protect them from air strikes.
To meet these demands the government decided to build a submarine base with the help of China. The plan was not easy to execute for Bangladesh, which is surrounded by India and Myanmar, said officials.
An Indian spy satellite has spotted a dockyard in Bangladesh's submarine base to conduct repair and maintenance activities of Chinese made submarines.
A cool video on our submarine base.
Why Bangladesh’s China-Funded Pekua Submarine Base Will Prove To Be A Migraine For India
Damien Symon, who goes by the ID ‘detrestfa’ on the social media platform X, last month released a satellite image of a dry dock developed at the China-built base in Bangladesh.
Why Bangladesh's China-Funded Pekua Submarine Base Will Prove To Be A Migraine For India
By: Ranjit Kumar | Updated at : 21 Apr 2024 07:33 PM (IST)
One of the Ming-class submarines bought by Bangladesh from China. ( Image Source : X/@theBDnavy )
With Sri Lanka denying Chinese spy ships permission to dock at its naval port, India might have got a temporary reprieve. But another of India's land and maritime neighbours, Bangladesh, is going to be a bigger concern for New Delhi. The latest satellite imagery – showing a dry dock on a submarine base being built by China at Pekua in Cox's Bazar – has drawn the attention of the strategic community, not only in India but all over the Indo-Pacific. Even so, a poll bound India seems to have no time to browse over this issue with long-term security implications.
China, in the near future, is likely to find a second home for its submarines in the Bay of Bengal, facing some of India's strategically important naval bases, including a nuclear submarine base.
Damien Symon, who goes by the ID 'detrestfa' on the social media platform X, last month released a satellite image of the dry dock (used for maintenance of watercraft).
"This enhanced defence cooperation endeavour by China helps Beijing solidify its presence and influence in the region," Symon wrote in his post
That China has emerged as a major defence supplier to Bangladesh, its second biggest defence export destination after Pakistan, is well known, and the Indian strategic community is helplessly watching the evolution.
Recent developments at the Pekua submarine base, which was inaugurated by Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in December 2023, should draw the attention of strategic planners, who must find a way to deny China the use of this facility, or counter the enhanced presence of Chinese military and its assets on Bangladesh's naval bases.
The weapons and submarines supplied to Bangladesh do not pose any direct security challenge to India as such, but it should concern New Delhi since it will tighten the dragon's grip over the country and consequently impact its Indo-Pacific strategy.
China has strengthened its hold over Bangladesh through the 2002 Defence Cooperation Agreement, which covers military training and defence supplies. This cooperation has significantly been expanded in the naval domain.
In fact, the deepening naval cooperation between Bangladesh and China is likely to emerge as not a headache, but a migraine for Indian strategic planners.
With Sri Lanka, India could exercise its economic and strategic leverage, but Bangladesh would prove to be a hard nut to crack.
Surprisingly, this has happened during the tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is known to be very close to India and who has overseen promising strides in Indo-Bangladesh diplomatic and economic relations.
This, even as her focus on improving ties with India has attracted domestic criticism – her re-election for the fourth consecutive term this January sparked an 'India-out' campaign by Hasina's critics who suspect India of electoral interference.
The campaign has not got much traction in Bangladesh politics, but shows the presence of an anti-India sentiment among some sections in the country.
The way Sheikh Hasina is pushing close defence relations with China is giving the dragon excuses to make deep inroads in the strategic domain of Bangladesh.
The issue of the long-term unhindered presence of Chinese submarines and their operators at the newly built submarine base at Pekua might cloud India-Bangladesh relations. China, meanwhile, would be only too happy to drive a wedge in India-Bangladesh relations, capitalising on segments that are anti-India diehards.
An Eager Defence Partner
Bangladesh harbours the ambition of becoming a regional maritime power, and the fast developing Bay of Bengal economy has found an eager defence partner in China.
After supplying two old refurbished submarines to Bangladesh at a concessional friendly price, China came forward to build the grand submarine base, which was inaugurated last year in March by PM Sheikh Hasina in the presence of a large number of Chinese officials.
The naval base, spread over 1.75 square km and named BNS Sheikh Hasina, would not simply be a submarine docking port, but also a maintenance and overhaul facility, as revealed by the new satellite imagery, which raises questions about the real intent of China.
China has funded and developed the $1.21 billion Pekua submarine base, and Bangladesh is destined to be dependent on China for its maintenance for years to come. It will be difficult for Bangladesh to wriggle itself out of the dragon's jaws, and the Indian Navy will have to live with the fait accompli – submarines operated by the PLA Navy finding an opportunity to be dangerously in the vicinity of India's Andaman and Nicobar command.
Bangladesh is likely to ignore any Indian objections to permitting the visits of Chinese submarines. Since the base and dry dock have been built and are being maintained by China, the Chinese navy would naturally claim logistical and strategic access to the base. The submarine base can easily be used as another espionage outpost by the Chinese navy. This will make Bay of Bengal unsafe for India as the Chinese navy can easily monitor the movement of Indian submarines and warships in the region and Indian naval ships stationed at Indian bases. The Chinese navy can use this facility under the garb of anti-piracy operations.
Bangladesh will thus be embroiled in the Great Game of the Indo-Pacific, where the Bangladesh navy will find itself playing the role of a reserve player from the Chinese side.
An Unwelcome Development
In November 2016, Bangladesh took the delivery of two Chinese-made retrofitted Ming-class Type O35B diesel electric submarines. The 2.5-decade-old submarines were acquired at a discounted price of $203 million.
The submarines, not considered very useful, were being used by the Chinese navy for training. However, as part of the Bangladesh deal, China upgraded these submarines and equipped them with modern torpedoes and sonars.
The dry dock is estimated to be 135 metres long and 35 metres wide.
The Pekua submarine base, meanwhile, is designed to accommodate six submarines and a few warships, and the Bangladesh navy has only two submarines.
This means either the Bangladesh navy will expand its submarine fleet and China will be a natural claimant to supply four more submarines. If not, China will be encouraged to utilise the space for docking up to four of its submarines.
China may lease them to Bangladesh and deploy its technicians to maintain the submarine fleet and manage training facilities for Bangladesh submariners.
All this will involve inviting the presence of Chinese technicians and submariners to stay on the Bangladesh submarine base for an indefinite period, an unwelcome development for India.
The author is a senior journalist and strategic affairs analyst.
By: Ranjit Kumar | Updated at : 21 Apr 2024 07:33 PM (IST)
One of the Ming-class submarines bought by Bangladesh from China. ( Image Source : X/@theBDnavy )
With Sri Lanka denying Chinese spy ships permission to dock at its naval port, India might have got a temporary reprieve. But another of India's land and maritime neighbours, Bangladesh, is going to be a bigger concern for New Delhi. The latest satellite imagery – showing a dry dock on a submarine base being built by China at Pekua in Cox's Bazar – has drawn the attention of the strategic community, not only in India but all over the Indo-Pacific. Even so, a poll bound India seems to have no time to browse over this issue with long-term security implications.
China, in the near future, is likely to find a second home for its submarines in the Bay of Bengal, facing some of India's strategically important naval bases, including a nuclear submarine base.
Damien Symon, who goes by the ID 'detrestfa' on the social media platform X, last month released a satellite image of the dry dock (used for maintenance of watercraft).
"This enhanced defence cooperation endeavour by China helps Beijing solidify its presence and influence in the region," Symon wrote in his post
That China has emerged as a major defence supplier to Bangladesh, its second biggest defence export destination after Pakistan, is well known, and the Indian strategic community is helplessly watching the evolution.
Recent developments at the Pekua submarine base, which was inaugurated by Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in December 2023, should draw the attention of strategic planners, who must find a way to deny China the use of this facility, or counter the enhanced presence of Chinese military and its assets on Bangladesh's naval bases.
The weapons and submarines supplied to Bangladesh do not pose any direct security challenge to India as such, but it should concern New Delhi since it will tighten the dragon's grip over the country and consequently impact its Indo-Pacific strategy.
China has strengthened its hold over Bangladesh through the 2002 Defence Cooperation Agreement, which covers military training and defence supplies. This cooperation has significantly been expanded in the naval domain.
In fact, the deepening naval cooperation between Bangladesh and China is likely to emerge as not a headache, but a migraine for Indian strategic planners.
With Sri Lanka, India could exercise its economic and strategic leverage, but Bangladesh would prove to be a hard nut to crack.
Surprisingly, this has happened during the tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is known to be very close to India and who has overseen promising strides in Indo-Bangladesh diplomatic and economic relations.
This, even as her focus on improving ties with India has attracted domestic criticism – her re-election for the fourth consecutive term this January sparked an 'India-out' campaign by Hasina's critics who suspect India of electoral interference.
The campaign has not got much traction in Bangladesh politics, but shows the presence of an anti-India sentiment among some sections in the country.
The way Sheikh Hasina is pushing close defence relations with China is giving the dragon excuses to make deep inroads in the strategic domain of Bangladesh.
The issue of the long-term unhindered presence of Chinese submarines and their operators at the newly built submarine base at Pekua might cloud India-Bangladesh relations. China, meanwhile, would be only too happy to drive a wedge in India-Bangladesh relations, capitalising on segments that are anti-India diehards.
An Eager Defence Partner
Bangladesh harbours the ambition of becoming a regional maritime power, and the fast developing Bay of Bengal economy has found an eager defence partner in China.
After supplying two old refurbished submarines to Bangladesh at a concessional friendly price, China came forward to build the grand submarine base, which was inaugurated last year in March by PM Sheikh Hasina in the presence of a large number of Chinese officials.
The naval base, spread over 1.75 square km and named BNS Sheikh Hasina, would not simply be a submarine docking port, but also a maintenance and overhaul facility, as revealed by the new satellite imagery, which raises questions about the real intent of China.
China has funded and developed the $1.21 billion Pekua submarine base, and Bangladesh is destined to be dependent on China for its maintenance for years to come. It will be difficult for Bangladesh to wriggle itself out of the dragon's jaws, and the Indian Navy will have to live with the fait accompli – submarines operated by the PLA Navy finding an opportunity to be dangerously in the vicinity of India's Andaman and Nicobar command.
Bangladesh is likely to ignore any Indian objections to permitting the visits of Chinese submarines. Since the base and dry dock have been built and are being maintained by China, the Chinese navy would naturally claim logistical and strategic access to the base. The submarine base can easily be used as another espionage outpost by the Chinese navy. This will make Bay of Bengal unsafe for India as the Chinese navy can easily monitor the movement of Indian submarines and warships in the region and Indian naval ships stationed at Indian bases. The Chinese navy can use this facility under the garb of anti-piracy operations.
Bangladesh will thus be embroiled in the Great Game of the Indo-Pacific, where the Bangladesh navy will find itself playing the role of a reserve player from the Chinese side.
An Unwelcome Development
In November 2016, Bangladesh took the delivery of two Chinese-made retrofitted Ming-class Type O35B diesel electric submarines. The 2.5-decade-old submarines were acquired at a discounted price of $203 million.
The submarines, not considered very useful, were being used by the Chinese navy for training. However, as part of the Bangladesh deal, China upgraded these submarines and equipped them with modern torpedoes and sonars.
The dry dock is estimated to be 135 metres long and 35 metres wide.
The Pekua submarine base, meanwhile, is designed to accommodate six submarines and a few warships, and the Bangladesh navy has only two submarines.
This means either the Bangladesh navy will expand its submarine fleet and China will be a natural claimant to supply four more submarines. If not, China will be encouraged to utilise the space for docking up to four of its submarines.
China may lease them to Bangladesh and deploy its technicians to maintain the submarine fleet and manage training facilities for Bangladesh submariners.
All this will involve inviting the presence of Chinese technicians and submariners to stay on the Bangladesh submarine base for an indefinite period, an unwelcome development for India.
The author is a senior journalist and strategic affairs analyst.
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