DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is more dynamic and modern than ever before.
The premier also said the BGB has reinstated its fame with courage in protecting borders and also in assisting law enforcing agencies.
Sheikh Hasina, also ruling Awami League president, was addressing a program on the occasion of Border Guard Bangladesh Day at its Headquarters in city’s Pilkhana in the morning.
Hasina said, “Pilkhana killing was a dark chapter. The massacre was carried out in the name of rebellion. The country lost 57 skilled officers.”
In her address, she prayed for salvation of the departed souls and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members of the lost officers.
The premier told the jawans that a lot of changes are being brought to BGB in making it a strong force.
Praising the BGB personnel for their brave services that helped in reducing smuggling, trafficking of women and children and border crime, Hasina asked the BGB personnel to carry out their duties with patriotism and integrity.
She also praised the BGB personnel for their assistances to the civil administration during the emergency periods, natural disasters and accidents.
Prime Minister Hasina also appreciated the brave role of the force during the January 5 general election and remembered the members who were killed that time.
She also mentioned the steps, including Border Guard Bangladesh Act-2010 that her government took to make the force stronger and efficient and modern.
The premier further said the incumbent government has established four regional headquarters to make it more dynamic by decentralizing the command and set up Border Guard Security Bureau to make its intelligence branch stronger.
She also said the government has set up four new sectors and 10 out of newly approved 15 battalions as part of a grand plan in making it more effective.
Hasina also mentioned the health, ration and retirement benefits provided by the government.
Earlier, Hasina was given a gun salute by BGB jawans on her arrival here at Pilkhana at 9:00am.
She also handed over Border Guard Bangladesh Medal (BGBM) to 10 BGB officials, President Border Guard Medal (PBGM) to 20 officials, Border Guard Bangladesh Medal-Sheba (BGBMS) to 10 and President Border Guard Medal Sheba (PBGMS) to 20 BGB members for their outstanding bravery and performances.
State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and BGB Director General Major General Aziz Ahmed also were present at the function.
BGB chalked out an elaborated programme to mark the day. Munajat and special prayers were offered after Fajr prayers at the mosques of all BGB units across the country.
BDST: 1114 HRS, DEC 20, 2014
