Jalil Textile Mills handed over to Army for BOF expansion
Defense Industry Focuses on Drone Tech Exports
- Focus placed on drone engineering, localized R&D, and cost-effective defense systems
- Jalil Textile Mills transferred to the Bangladesh Army to expand Ordnance Factory capacity
- National strategy targets reducing military import reliance and opening defense exports
Bangladesh has outlined plans to modernize its defense manufacturing into a technology-driven, productive, and export-oriented industrial base to enhance strategic military readiness. An official land transfer agreement handing over Jalil Textile Mills Limited—under the Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation (BTMC)—to the Bangladesh Army for the expansion of the Bangladesh Ordnance Factory (BOF) was signed at Bhatiari in Sitakunda on Thursday, 27 August 2026.
Addressing as the chief guest, Minister for Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Khondokar Abdul Muktadir stated, "Modern warfare and global defense dynamics are rapidly evolving. The technological shift over the past few decades has demonstrated that cost-effective engineering innovations and drone technologies decisively influence operational military capabilities." He stressed moving beyond traditional ammunition stockpiling toward advanced robotics and uncrewed systems, urging robust indigenous research and development (R&D) alongside global knowledge absorption to position domestic defense products in international export markets.
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam stated that converting idle industrial assets into strategically vital facilities aligns with government industrial commitments. He noted that the strategic geographical location of Jalil Textile Mills provides an optimal base for BOF expansion, curtailing foreign hardware reliance and creating avenues for foreign currency earnings.
The ceremony was also addressed by Adviser to the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Division Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, and BTMC Chairman Brigadier General SM Zahid Hasan.
The agreement was officially signed by BTMC Chairman Brigadier General SM Zahid Hasan and Military Estate Officer Mrs. Sajiye Taher on behalf of the Bangladesh Army, in the presence of the Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram, Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and senior civil and military officials.
//DBTech/BNOC/MIS/SME//
