Bangladesh's economic ambitions are at this point well documented -- by 2041, we intend to become a prosperous and developed Smart Bangladesh, with a nation fueled by the dual spirit of innovation and equity.
However, for that to be a reality, we must also remain on track with our defenses -- as any nation becomes more powerful on the global stage, so too should its emphasis on its national security and defense.
To that end, news that 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 is welcome news.
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.
While Bangladesh has continued to abide by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's guiding principle of “friendship to all and malice to none,” nevertheless, we must continue to keep pace with the rest of the world in all avenues including our armed forces -- that includes the army, the navy, and the air force.
Having said that, spending over a billion dollars is a significant sum, and while the rationale for the base is justified, we hope that the project's operations are conducted smoothly and efficiently, without the usual issues we have unfortunately become accustomed to learning about.
On the road to 2041, there will be many obstacles and potential dangers. Matching our defenses with our lofty ambitions is a prerequisite to ensure that we are indeed successful in creating Smart Bangladesh.