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Country eyes arms exports
MONDAY, 10 MARCH 2014 AUTHOR / SOURCE: DEEPAK ACHARJEE E-
Bangladesh Ordnance Factories (BOF), a state-run manufacturer of arms and ammunition, will soon export arms and ammunition produced by it.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already given approval for export of arms and ammunition from the BOF. However, it will also need clearance from the ministries of home affairs and foreign affairs, and the commerce and law ministries, before it can export arms and ammunition. BOF commandant Maj. Gen. Anwarul Momen told The Independent that they are exploring the arms market, to export their products. “We will attend different arms trade fairs abroad, for exporting our different products,” he said. “We have already got approval from the Prime Minister. We will start the process of exporting our products, after receiving clearance from the ministries concerned.”
Security expert Brigadier-General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain told this correspondent that it is a positive sign that Bangladesh is exporting arms and ammunition, which indicates it is a country that is meeting its own demand for small arms and ammunition.
“As far as I know, there would be a market for such weapons and ammunition in some African countries,” he said. He advised organising the exports of arms and ammunition on a state-to-state basis.
BOF was established in 1968, with technical and financial assistance from the People’s Republic of China. However, it was inaugurated on April 6, 1970. Though it suffered considerable damage during the Liberation War in 1971, the BOF’s capabilities have been restored and expanded since then.
In 1982-1983, balancing, modernisation and replacement (BMR) works started, which were completed in 1987. After the BMR, the annual production target of the factory was determined at 2,500 rifles and 15 million units of ammunition. A project for establishing an Automatic Assault Rifle BD-08 Factory was undertaken in 2004-05 and successfully implemented in 2008.
The BOF was initially set up with technology, machinery, and equipment and support facilities from China. Gradually, however, technology transfers from Austria, Australia, Belgium, Germany and Italy occurred. The BOF now boasts a mix of conventional and state-of-the-art computerised controlled processes and systems for manufacturing.
The BOF currently operates the following factories: a small arms factory, a small arms ammunition factory, a grenade manufacturing factory, an artillery ammunition factory, and a tools manufacturing plant.
*In the past Indonesia was behind Bangladesh, a few decades ago. Now Indonesia has the biggest economy in the Muslim world and a very impressive defence industry.
Bangladesh needs to catch up with its fellow south-east Asian Muslim neighbour and ally, Indonesia, as it is way, way behind.
Bangladesh Armed Forces.
MONDAY, 10 MARCH 2014 AUTHOR / SOURCE: DEEPAK ACHARJEE E-
Bangladesh Ordnance Factories (BOF), a state-run manufacturer of arms and ammunition, will soon export arms and ammunition produced by it.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already given approval for export of arms and ammunition from the BOF. However, it will also need clearance from the ministries of home affairs and foreign affairs, and the commerce and law ministries, before it can export arms and ammunition. BOF commandant Maj. Gen. Anwarul Momen told The Independent that they are exploring the arms market, to export their products. “We will attend different arms trade fairs abroad, for exporting our different products,” he said. “We have already got approval from the Prime Minister. We will start the process of exporting our products, after receiving clearance from the ministries concerned.”
Security expert Brigadier-General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain told this correspondent that it is a positive sign that Bangladesh is exporting arms and ammunition, which indicates it is a country that is meeting its own demand for small arms and ammunition.
“As far as I know, there would be a market for such weapons and ammunition in some African countries,” he said. He advised organising the exports of arms and ammunition on a state-to-state basis.
BOF was established in 1968, with technical and financial assistance from the People’s Republic of China. However, it was inaugurated on April 6, 1970. Though it suffered considerable damage during the Liberation War in 1971, the BOF’s capabilities have been restored and expanded since then.
In 1982-1983, balancing, modernisation and replacement (BMR) works started, which were completed in 1987. After the BMR, the annual production target of the factory was determined at 2,500 rifles and 15 million units of ammunition. A project for establishing an Automatic Assault Rifle BD-08 Factory was undertaken in 2004-05 and successfully implemented in 2008.
The BOF was initially set up with technology, machinery, and equipment and support facilities from China. Gradually, however, technology transfers from Austria, Australia, Belgium, Germany and Italy occurred. The BOF now boasts a mix of conventional and state-of-the-art computerised controlled processes and systems for manufacturing.
The BOF currently operates the following factories: a small arms factory, a small arms ammunition factory, a grenade manufacturing factory, an artillery ammunition factory, and a tools manufacturing plant.
*In the past Indonesia was behind Bangladesh, a few decades ago. Now Indonesia has the biggest economy in the Muslim world and a very impressive defence industry.
Bangladesh needs to catch up with its fellow south-east Asian Muslim neighbour and ally, Indonesia, as it is way, way behind.
Bangladesh Armed Forces.
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