DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sunday called upon people of the country to be united against ongoing barbarism and brutality during hartal-blockade of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

She came up with the plea while addressing the 20th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Coast Guard and national standard award giving ceremony at coast guard headquarters in city’s Agargaon area in the morning.

The premier of the country said, “When the country is moving forward on way to development, BNP and Jamaat are plotting to push the country backward. They are burning innocent people, including minors, to death brutally and destroying assets of the country.”

PM Sheikh Hasina, at the function, distributed national standard award among 22 officers and 13 mariners of Bangladesh Coast Guard for their brave contribution and services.

Sheikh Hasina handed over the National Standard to Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral M Moqbul Hossain. 

Sheikh Hasina, also Awami League president, said, “I believe that the recognition will encourage the Coast Guard members to take forward their operational and welfare activities.”

Recognizing their contribution, the PM told her audience: “You must maintain the confidence, which they have earned over the years through hard work, patriotism, quality, devotion and honesty.”

The premier handed over the National Standard award to Bangladesh Coast Guard in recognition to its professional experience and successes in operational activities.

With this, the force got rights to carry national flag. 

The premier also distributed Bangladesh Coast Guard Padak, President Coast Guard Padak, Bangladesh Coast Guard (Seba) Padak and President Coast Guard (Seba) Padak among 35 officers and mariners of the Coast Guard for their excellent services.

Cabinet members, PM's advisors, members of the parliament, chiefs of three services, foreign diplomats and civil and military officials attended the program. 

BDST: 1815 HRS, FEB 15, 2015