The United Kingdom and the Bangladesh Navy have signed a
government‑to‑government sales agreement for the former HMS
Enterprise, an Echo‑class hydrographic and oceanographic survey
vessel.
The signing ceremony was held at Bangladesh Navy
Headquarters following extensive technical engagement between the
Bangladesh Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence and Royal
Navy. The vessel, known for its distinguished service in
survey operations, humanitarian support, and disaster‑response
missions, will now help strengthen Bangladesh's maritime security
and regional stability efforts. It will also provide
hydrographic, oceanographic and scientific research
capability and offer significant research opportunities
for Bangladeshi universities.
The signing ceremony was attended by the British High
Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke; Defence Attaché at the
British High Commission Dhaka, Commander Lee Norton; and UK
Ministry of Defence Commercial Officer
Nanise Qalobulawasaikabara, representing the UK
Government. From the Bangladesh side, Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan,
Chief of Naval Staff, and Rear Admiral Jahangir
Adil Samdany, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Logistics),
were present.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke
said:
The sale of this survey vessel reflects the deep
trust and strong cooperation between the United Kingdom and
Bangladesh. HMS Enterprise served the Royal Navy with
distinction, and we are proud to see her begin a new chapter
supporting Bangladesh's maritime capability and our shared
commitment to a secure and prosperous Bay of Bengal.
The sale of the HMS Enterprise highlights the UK's
continued partnership with Bangladesh in enhancing
maritime security and contributing to a prosperous,
stable, free and open Indo-Pacific and Bay of Bengal.
