Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam spoke during his visit to the Narayanganj Dockyard operated by the Bangladesh Navy today. Photo: ISPR

DHAKA, May 18, 2026 (BSS) – Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam today said domestic capability would be the country’s main strength in strengthening maritime security.

He came up with the remarks while visiting the Bangladesh Navy-operated Narayanganj Dockyard today with a view to further strengthening the country’s defence capability, naval strength and maritime security, according to a release of the Inter Services Public relations (ISPR) Directorate this afternoon.

The defence adviser, during his visit, was apprised of the details about the overall activities of the dockyard, including its shipbuilding and repair capabilities, modern technical facilities, infrastructural development, production activities, maintenance systems and ongoing development works under the auspices of the Bangladesh Navy.

Subsequently, he toured different important installations, workshops, production zones, repair facilities and ongoing development projects at the dockyard.

Highlighting the importance of developing the domestic naval industry, he said expansion of local shipbuilding, repair and maintenance capabilities is essential for protecting national security, naval strength and maritime interests.

The adviser underscored the need for transforming Narayanganj Dockyard into a modern, efficient and advanced naval industrial establishment through enhancing its shipbuilding and maintenance capacity, the ISPR release mentioned.

The defence adviser also laid emphasis on ensuring quality, punctuality, technological efficiency and professionalism in every activity of the dockyard.

He directed the authorities concerned to further enhance the institution’s capacity through the use of modern technology, skilled manpower development through training and planned management.

“National defence preparedness must be further strengthened by ensuring the highest use of domestic resources, local expertise and indigenous technology,” he said.

Describing the dockyard as an important pillar of the country’s maritime capability, defence preparedness and self-reliance, he said every project, initiative and development activity of the institution should be implemented in line with national interests.

The defence adviser praised the professionalism, dedication and efficiency of the officers, engineers, technical personnel and employees working at the dockyard and urged all to work with patriotism and a strong sense of responsibility.

Senior officials of the Bangladesh Navy and Narayanganj Dockyard were present there.