Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Sunday said there is a plan to turn the Bangladesh Coast Guard a stronger and powerful force.
Through the recruitment of permanent manpower, it will become an independent force.
The minister came up with the assertion while speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony marking the 26th founding anniversary of the force, held at the Coast Guard Headquarters in the capital's Agargaon area.
Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the Coast Guard currently has 4,000 members on duty and is planning to take in more people.
Mentioning that all necessary steps have been taken to modernise the force, the minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also felt the need for a coastal security force when she was in the opposition in 1994.
Home Minister said, “The Coast Guard in Bangladesh has been working hard for more than two decades to protect the sea and coastal people. Therefore, the government is committed to strengthen this force. Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), hovercrafts and other high-tech vessels will be added soon. I firmly believe that these forces will continue to carry out their duties for the welfare of the people and the country by fulfilling their responsibilities.”
He further said, “The development of this force will be ensured through the necessary infrastructure at various boards, stations and outposts of the Coast Guard in the coastal areas.”
Director General of the Coast Guard, Rear Admiral M Ashraful Haq said, “As a result of the patronage of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the modernisation and capacity building of this force is being continued. At the same time, the members of the Coast Guard in Bangladesh will always be vigilant in implementing the vision 2030 and 2041 announced by the government through unwavering morale, passion and hard work.”
Extensive activities were undertaken by the Coast Guard to celebrate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. These include providing safe water to the local people in chars and islands, distributing life jackets and raincoats for coastal people, providing relief to the poor and destitute affected by natural calamities, etc.
The Coast Guard in Bangladesh will continue to work to fulfill the national expectations with the firm belief of building a Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal), a release said.
