The United Kingdom and the Bangladesh Navy have formalized a government-to-government sales agreement for the former HMS Enterprise, an Echo-class hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel. The agreement was signed at the Bangladesh Navy Headquarters following extensive technical consultations between the Bangladesh Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the Royal Navy. The vessel, renowned for its service in survey operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, will now enhance Bangladesh’s maritime security and regional stability efforts. It will also provide advanced hydrographic, oceanographic, and scientific research capabilities, creating significant opportunities for Bangladeshi universities.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both countries. From the UK, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, Defence Attaché Commander Lee Norton, and Ministry of Defence Commercial Officer Nanise Qalobulawasaikabara were present. Representing Bangladesh were Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Naval Staff, and Rear Admiral Jahangir Adil Samdany, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Logistics).
British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke highlighted that the sale reflects the deep trust and strong cooperation between the two nations. She noted that HMS Enterprise served the Royal Navy with distinction and expressed pride in seeing the vessel contribute to Bangladesh’s maritime capability while supporting shared commitments to a secure and prosperous Bay of Bengal.
The acquisition of HMS Enterprise underscores the UK’s ongoing partnership with Bangladesh in strengthening maritime security and promoting a stable, free, and open Indo-Pacific region, reinforcing cooperation in both strategic and research domains.
