Published: 12:17 AM, 18 June 2026
Construction of five Coast Guard RPVs begins using local technology
Construction of five Riverine Patrol Vessels (RPVs) for the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) has begun at Dockyard and Engineering Works (DEW) Limited, a Bangladesh Navy-operated shipbuilding facility, using local technology.
A press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate on Wednesday said the keel-laying ceremony for the five vessels was held at DEW on the occasion.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Monzur Morshed Chowdhury attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while Director General (DG) of the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque was present as the special guest.
The guests formally inaugurated the construction work by laying the keels of the vessels.
Senior officials from the ministries concerned, the Bangladesh Navy, the Bangladesh Coast Guard and DEW Limited, including its Managing Director, were also present at the ceremony, the release added.
In line with the government's "Made in Bangladesh" policy aimed at promoting indigenous technology and strengthening self-reliance, Bangladesh Navy-operated dockyards and shipyards have been achieving remarkable success in domestic shipbuilding.
The project to build the five RPVs has been undertaken to modernize the Bangladesh Coast Guard and enhance its operational capabilities, according to the ISPR.
Each vessel will be 38.5 metres long, 7.9 metres wide and 2.45 metres deep, with a displacement of 232 tonnes. The RPVs will be capable of operating at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
The vessels will be equipped with navigation radar, GPS, modern communication systems, night-vision equipment and other advanced technologies.
The RPVs are expected to significantly strengthen maritime security, surveillance, border protection and river management operations in shallow-water areas. They will also be deployed for routine patrols, prevention of smuggling and illegal infiltration, counter-terrorism operations, and search-and-rescue missions.
Officials concerned said the construction of the RPVs through DEW's own capabilities marks a significant milestone in achieving self-reliance in the country's defence industry, advancing the domestic shipbuilding sector and promoting technological excellence, the ISPR added.
