BNS (Bangladesh Naval Ship) Bangabandhu entered Kochi on 2nd November. The modern frigate and veritably the Flag Ship of Bangladesh Navy was on en route to Doha to participate in Exercise Ferocious Falcon. A host of professional and social interactions were scheduled between the two Navies on the occasion which included sports fixtures and mutual visits. His Excellency Mr Tariq Ahmad Karim, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India also flew in to Kochi to welcome BNS Bangabandhu.

Welcoming the Indian Naval Officers on board his ship yesterday for a reception, Captain Mir Ershad Ali, Commanding Officer of BNS Bangabandhu spoke of the city of Kochi with nostalgia as he had undergone part of his training here. Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner, Shri Tariq Ahmad Karim made out a convincing case for even more engagement and closer relations between Bangladesh and India. The erudite High Commissioner invoked history and civilisational links between the two neighbours to underscore the point. In his reply Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command echoed the sentiments and spoke of the warm hospitality which the Indian Navy receives during visits to Bangladesh. The Admiral also expressed the readiness of the Indian Navy to train more officers from Bangladesh Navy in various training establishments of the Indian Navy. His Excellency Mr Tariq Ahmad Karim, the High Commissioner also paid a visit to Headquarters Southern Naval Command and called on Vice Admiral Satish Soni today. The ship will depart Kochi on 4th Nov.