By IANS,
Dhaka : The Indian Navy’s INS Airavat, a tank carrier that can also be used to deliver disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, has arrived ahead of navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma’s five day visit here.
The Indian-built ship is in Chittagong port and has been opened to viewing by the general public.
The ship can be effectively used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions during natural calamities and can operate independently on the high seas for as long as 45 days, United News of Bangladesh (UNB) news agency reported.
Bangladesh has been frequently hit by cyclones, floods and earthquakes.
Admiral Verma’s April 3-8 visit is on an invitation from Bangladesh Navy chief Vice Admiral Zahir Uddin Ahmed.
He is expected to call on President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and meet senior officers of the Bangladesh armed forces.
During his stay the Indian Navy chief will visit the three main ports of Chittagong, Mongla and Khulna, The Daily Star said Monday.