The Bangladesh Navy and the United Kingdom have signed a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement for the purchase of the hydrographic and oceanographic survey ship HMS Enterprise. The signing took place at the Bangladesh Navy Headquarters on Sunday, with Rear Admiral Md. Shafiqul Rahman representing Bangladesh and Ms. Nanise Qalobulawasaikabara from the UK Ministry of Defence representing the United Kingdom. The Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan and senior officials from both countries attended the ceremony, according to an ISPR press release.

The ISPR stated that the agreement followed continuous and productive initiatives between the two nations since 2025, reflecting strong mutual trust and cooperation. It marks a significant step in Bangladesh’s defense modernization and will expand opportunities for military equipment exchange. HMS Enterprise, formerly part of the Royal Navy, is equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic instruments including multibeam echo sounders and side-scan sonar.

The ship’s addition is expected to enhance Bangladesh’s hydrographic capacity, support marine research at national institutions, and strengthen maritime surveillance against illegal intrusion, smuggling, and piracy, while contributing to safe navigation and blue economy development.