The United Kingdom and Bangladesh have signed a government-to-government defence sales agreement for the transfer of the former Royal Navy survey vessel HMS Enterprise, an Echo-class hydrographic and oceanographic ship previously operated by the Royal Navy.
The agreement was signed at Bangladesh Navy Headquarters in Dhaka, following what officials described as extensive technical engagement between the Bangladesh Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy.
According to the British High Commission in Dhaka, the vessel will support Bangladesh’s maritime security and contribute to wider regional stability efforts, while also expanding the country’s hydrographic and oceanographic survey capacity. The ship is also expected to support scientific research activity and provide opportunities for Bangladeshi universities.
The signing ceremony was attended by British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, Defence Attaché Commander Lee Norton, and a UK Ministry of Defence commercial representative.
Cooke described the transfer as a reflection of growing defence ties between the two countries, stating: “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 UK government said the sale highlights its continued partnership with Bangladesh in enhancing maritime security and promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific”, with the ship’s new role expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s ability to conduct survey operations, support humanitarian and disaster-response missions, and improve understanding of its maritime environment.
But who’s paying who ?
Did we swap it for 200,000 “skilled workers” students and dependents on Visas? Or can we sent back the 7225 Bangladeshi asylum seekers that lodged claims on 2024 alone?
Don’t you know those skilled workers are going to diversify the countryside? The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs have already spent hundreds of thousands of tax payers pounds to do so, and I, for one, welcome our new diverse overlords.
Assume its to replace the 41 year old BNS Anushandhan (aka HMS Roebuck)… Enterprise and Echo were amazing ships for The RN, Bangladesh will have her for another 20 years….. I wonder who will purchase Echo….Echo… Echo…
Another disposal without a replacement? They won’t be happy until everything is gone