Bangladesh To Buy More Military Equipment-Minister

Khandaker described the planned purchases as routine and needed to strengthen and modernise the armed forces.

Bangladesh -- with coastal waters believed rich in untapped gas and oil resources -- plans substantial buying of military equipment including missiles for the navy, the planning minister said late on Sunday.

A.K. Khandaker, a former air force chief, told parliament the package of weapons and armaments would include tanks, aircraft, helicopters, rifles and other equipment to strengthen the overall defence network.

He said $17 million would be spent this year to buy missiles for the navy but did not give the cost or details of other military hardware and aircraft.

Khandaker described the planned purchases as routine and needed to strengthen and modernise the armed forces.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, only six weeks in office, has said her government would improve national defence policy and modernise the armed forces.