The government has formed a high-powered committee to facilitate the development of the defence industry and promote exports of defence equipment.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is heading the 11-member National Defence Industry Committee, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division earlier this month.
Other members of the committee include the finance minister, industries minister, commerce minister, adviser to the defence ministry, chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, chiefs of the army, navy and air force, principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division, and defence secretary.
The development comes as the government is considering setting up a defence industrial zone to help develop Bangladesh’s domestic defence industry, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
Responding to a question from Akhter Hossen, a lawmaker from the National Citizen Party, in parliament in July, the prime minister said the government had undertaken various initiatives to develop the domestic defence industry, expand technological innovation and promote research activities.
In January this year, the interim government decided to earmark 850 acres of land in Mirsarai, Chattogram, for the development of a Defence Industrial Zone to strengthen domestic military production capacity and tap into the growing global defence manufacturing market.
According to the latest Cabinet Division notification, the committee will provide guidance on planning for the development of the defence industry and issue necessary directives for implementation.
It will also provide policy guidelines on the production and export of defence equipment.
The notification says the panel will issue directives for formulating and implementing short- and long-term plans, as well as determining the need for defence equipment production and research at various levels.
The committee will also provide necessary advice on establishing a full-fledged Defence Industry Division.
According to the notification, the committee may co-opt any executive member if necessary.