Under its new role with the Bangladesh Navy, the vessel will significantly enhance the country’s hydrographic and oceanographic survey capacity….reports Asian Lite News
The United Kingdom and the Bangladesh Navy have formally signed a government-to-government agreement for the transfer of the former HMS Enterprise, an Echo-class hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation.
The signing ceremony was held at Bangladesh Navy Headquarters after extensive technical consultations between the Bangladesh Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy. The agreement reflects close coordination between the two sides and underlines a shared commitment to enhancing maritime capability and regional stability in the Bay of Bengal.
HMS Enterprise earned distinction during its service with the Royal Navy, where it played a vital role in hydrographic survey missions, humanitarian assistance operations and disaster-response efforts. Equipped with advanced survey and data-gathering systems, the vessel has been instrumental in producing accurate seabed mapping and navigational information, supporting both military and civilian maritime operations.
Under its new role with the Bangladesh Navy, the vessel will significantly enhance the country’s hydrographic and oceanographic survey capacity. It is expected to strengthen maritime domain awareness, improve navigational safety and support scientific research across Bangladesh’s maritime zones. The ship will also create meaningful research and training opportunities for Bangladeshi universities and maritime institutions, fostering collaboration between defence and academia.
The ceremony was attended by British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, Defence Attaché Commander Lee Norton and UK Ministry of Defence Commercial Officer Nanise Qalobulawasaikabara. Representing Bangladesh were Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Naval Staff, and Rear Admiral Jahangir Adil Samdany, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Logistics).
Speaking at the event, Sarah Cooke described the agreement as a reflection of deep trust and enduring partnership between the two nations. She said HMS Enterprise had served the Royal Navy with distinction and expressed pride in seeing the vessel begin a new chapter supporting Bangladesh’s maritime capability and the shared objective of maintaining a secure and prosperous Bay of Bengal.
The transfer highlights the UK’s continued partnership with Bangladesh in advancing maritime security and supporting stability across the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke has met Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman to discuss ways to further strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.
The courtesy meeting was held at Army Headquarters, where both sides exchanged greetings and reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence ties, expanding cooperation and exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration between the two armed forces.
According to a statement from the British High Commission on Monday, Sarah Cooke also reiterated the UK’s consistent support for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in Bangladesh, underlining the importance London places on democratic processes and political stability.
The Bangladesh Army, in a message shared through its verified Facebook page, said the meeting covered various aspects of strengthening defence engagement between the two nations. Both sides expressed optimism about continued collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
The engagement reflects the steady growth of UK-Bangladesh defence relations, built on training exchanges, professional military dialogue and broader security cooperation, as both countries seek to maintain regional stability and deepen institutional ties.
