Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid yesterday said there is no alternative to unlocking the huge potentials of the country’s vast sea area and using the maritime resources for the nation’s further development.
He called on navy men to keep themselves ready to ensure the security of maritime boundary and resources.
President Hamid was speaking at a commissioning function of four warships that were formally handed over to the Bangladesh Navy at Titumir Naval Base Jetty in southwestern Khulna port city.
“A vast sea area of Bangladesh is full of fish, mineral oil, natural gas and other undiscovered valuable mineral ones. It also has huge economic potentials. So, there’s no alternative to using the potentials for the development of the nation,” the 
president said.
He also observed that the whole world is now focusing on marine resources as the limited land resources is being used 
frequently everywhere.
“Bangladesh has a 710km coastal area, and about 30mn people of this area are directly and indirectly dependent on the sea for their livelihood. As over 90% of trade and business with foreign countries are being conducted via sea routes, ensuring strict security measures in marine areas is a must for the national economic development,” the president said.
Stressing the importance of performing duties with honesty, fairness, efficiency and maintaining discipline and professionalism, Hamid asked the navy members to get always ready to ensure sovereignty of maritime boundary, security of ship movement at different routes, and resist smugglers and pirates.
He also asked them to continue their all-out efforts to uphold the country’s image in the world arena.
Hamid, also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said a significant number of warships, maritime helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft have been included in the fleet of navy during the period of the current government and opened a new chapter of strengthening the power of the navy.
The president said the present government has already taken short- and long-term plans for the navy that are expected to be materialised by 2030.