Be true friend of coastal people: PM to Coast Guard

BSS :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday called upon the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) to be “true friend” of the coastal people by establishing guardianship at the sea.
 “The motto of the force (BCG) is ‘Guardian at Sea’ which means to establish yourself as true friend of the coastal people,” she said while addressing 28th founding anniversary function of the BCG and the BCG Day-2023 at the Coast Guard Headquarters in capital’s Sher-e-Banglanagar.
The premier highly praised the Coast Guard personnel as they are standing beside the innocent and helpless people in the coastal belts by warding off many criminal acts.
 She said her government has been working to transform the Coast Guard into a modern and up-to-date force with knowledge of information technology.
 “We want our Coast Guard to be built as a developed and powerful force with knowledge of modern information technology,” she said.
The prime minister said her government has launched Bangabandhu Satellite-1 to orbit, adding that a groundbreaking change has been made in the coast guard’s communication system by establishing its connection with the satellite.
 “We can ensure our security using the digital system, (with establishing the satellite connection),” she said.
 The prime minister also unveiled a newly constructed establishment of the BCG at Lakshimpur by pressing a button.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and BCG Director General (DG) Rear Admiral Ashraful Hoq Chowdhury were present at the function.
At the ceremony, the prime minister handed over Bangladesh Coast Guard medals to several BCG personnel including its director general in recognition of their glorious contribution to the force as well.
 At the outset of the programme, a smartly turned out contingent of the Bangladesh Coast Guard also gave a state-salute to the premier.
A short video documentary on Coast Guard’s activities was screened.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has a vast shoreline along Bay of Bengal and many rivers, adding, “You (BCG personnel) are playing a vital role in ensuring the security to our business, trade and commerce and the people (in the coastal areas).”
The prime minister said the coast guard personnel are working tirelessly to ensure security to the ports, prevent smuggling of goods and firearms, human trafficking, piracy and illegal fishing alongside taking measures to stop sea and river pollution.
The force is also extending all cooperation to the distressed and helpless people across the coastal belts during natural calamities including cyclone, tidal-surge and flood and thus achieved confidence of the masses and established them as their “real friend”, she said.
The premier recalled that the coast guard personnel stood beside people during recent flood in Sylhet.