India, Aug. 21 -- Bangladesh's journey into undersea warfare was meant to be a milestone. In reality, it looks more like an expensive detour.

Dhaka took delivery of two refurbished Type 035G (Ming-class) submarines from China in November 2016 under a contract worth roughly US$203 million. These boats were built as part of a 1970s lineage and overhauled for export.

For a modest navy with pressing coastal and constabulary needs, that sticker price alone raises tough questions about priorities and value.

The acquisition has been paired with a much larger bill on shore. Bangladesh inaugurated its first full-fledged submarine base, BNS Sheikh Hasina at Pekua, Cox's Bazar, on 20 March 2023.

The facility, constructed with Chinese assistance,...