On January 25, 2025, the Bangladesh Navy Ship (BNS) Samudra Joy set sail from the Chittagong naval jetty, embarking on a significant journey to participate in Exercise Aman-2025, scheduled from February 7 to 11 in Karachi, Pakistan. This deployment underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to international maritime collaboration and regional security.
The departure of BNS Samudra Joy was marked by a formal ceremony adhering to naval traditions. A ceremonial band performed as the ship left the jetty, creating an atmosphere of pride and anticipation. Senior naval officers from the local command, along with the families of the officers and sailors assigned to the mission, attended the event, adding a personal touch to the official proceedings. Rear Admiral Mir Ershad Ali, Commander of the Chittagong Naval Area, graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, he delivered an inspiring speech to the officers and sailors aboard, emphasizing the significance of their mission and the expectations placed upon them.
Under the leadership of Captain Md Shahriar Alam, the commanding officer of BNS Samudra Joy, the delegation comprises 274 naval personnel. This includes 33 officers and 58 trainee officers, all poised to engage in the international fleet review and associated exercises. The inclusion of trainee officers highlights the Bangladesh Navy’s focus on practical exposure and professional development for its emerging leaders.
Exercise Aman-2025: An Overview
Exercise Aman-2025 is the ninth iteration of a biennial multinational maritime exercise hosted by the Pakistan Navy. The term “Aman” translates to “peace” in Urdu, reflecting the exercise’s core objective of promoting regional cooperation and stability. The event has garnered participation from naval forces worldwide, with ships, aircraft, special operations forces, explosives ordnance disposal teams, marines, and observers from 60 countries expected to participate this year. The exercise encompasses a range of activities, including professional drills, seminars, social events, and sports matches among the participating nations. These engagements aim to enhance interoperability, foster mutual understanding, and build lasting relationships among the global maritime community.
Bangladesh Navy’s Historical Participation
The Bangladesh Navy has a history of active participation in Exercise Aman, having previously joined in 2007, 2009, and 2013. These engagements have showcased the professionalism and competence of Bangladesh’s naval forces, enhancing the country’s reputation on the global stage. Through such exercises, the Bangladesh Navy has demonstrated its commitment to collective maritime security and its readiness to collaborate with international partners.
Strategic Significance of Participation
By participating in Exercise Aman-2025, the Bangladesh Navy aims to strengthen diplomatic relations concerning maritime security and regional cooperation. Engaging in multinational exercises provides an opportunity to share best practices, learn from the experiences of other navies, and enhance the professional skills of its personnel. Such collaborations are pivotal in addressing common maritime challenges, including piracy, smuggling, and humanitarian assistance during disasters.
Goodwill Visits En Route
In line with its tradition of fostering international goodwill, BNS Samudra Joy will make port calls in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Malé, Maldives, during its journey to Pakistan. These visits are designed to strengthen friendly relations with these nations, providing opportunities for bilateral engagements, cultural exchanges, and mutual learning. Such interactions contribute to regional harmony and understanding, reinforcing Bangladesh’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.
BNS Samudra Joy: A Vessel of Pride
BNS Samudra Joy holds the distinction of being one of the largest ships in the Bangladesh Navy. Originally commissioned as a high-endurance cutter in the United States Coast Guard, the vessel was acquired by Bangladesh under the Foreign Assistance Act as an Excess Defense Article. Since its induction, it has been reclassified as a frigate and serves as a training ship for naval cadets, midshipmen, and sub-lieutenants. The ship’s participation in international exercises and goodwill missions underscores its role as a symbol of Bangladesh’s maritime aspirations and its dedication to global maritime security.
The Broader Context of Exercise Aman
Initiated in 2007, the Aman series of exercises were conceived to promote regional cooperation and stability, enhance interoperability among participating navies, and demonstrate a united resolve against terrorism and maritime crimes, including piracy. Over the years, the exercise has seen growing global participation, reflecting the international community’s trust in and recognition of the Pakistan Navy’s efforts toward collaborative maritime security. The upcoming Aman-2025 exercise is particularly noteworthy, with participation from a record number of countries, including Saudi Arabia. This broad participation underscores the exercise’s significance in fostering mutual collaboration for maritime security.
Enhancing Professional Skills and Interoperability
For the Bangladesh Navy, participation in Exercise Aman-2025 offers a platform to enhance the professional skills of its personnel. Engaging in complex maritime drills alongside diverse international counterparts provides invaluable experience in coordination, strategy, and execution. Such exposure is instrumental in preparing the navy to effectively address a range of maritime challenges. Moreover, the exercise facilitates interoperability between the Bangladesh Navy and other participating forces. This interoperability is crucial for coordinated responses to maritime threats, ensuring that forces can work seamlessly together when the need arises.
Conclusion: Building Diplomatic Bridges
Beyond the tactical and operational benefits, Exercise Aman-2025 serves as a diplomatic bridge, strengthening ties between participating nations. For Bangladesh, this is an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to regional peace and stability. The goodwill visits to Sri Lanka and the Maldives further exemplify this commitment, as they provide avenues for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Such diplomatic engagements are vital in building trust and collaboration, which are essential components of effective maritime security. They also reflect Bangladesh’s broader foreign policy objectives of maintaining friendly relations with regional and global partners, strengthening defense ties, and contributing to collective security efforts.
– Syed Raiyan Amir is a Senior Research Associate at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA).
