Today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that her government has been transforming the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) into a cutting-edge, three-dimensional force, equipping it with ships, helicopters, and cutting-edge smart technologies to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
“None will lag behind. The coast guard will be made capable to face the 21st century’s challenges with inclusion of modern technology based ships, helicopters and the force’s communication system development,” she said.
The premier said this while addressing a function marking 29th founding anniversary of the BCG and the BCG Day-2024 at the Coast Guard Headquarters in capital’s Agargaon area.
She stated that in order to strengthen and modernize the Coast Guard, her government plans to add high-speed boats, hovercraft equipped with marine surveillance systems, and high-quality modern ships to the fleet.
The premier also officially opened the newly built six physical infrastructures at the BCG stations at Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, Mirsarai, Sandwip, Nidraskina, and Shahpari Outpost, as well as the Bangladesh Coast Guard Vsatnet Communication System.
Sheikh Hasina noted that the force’s operational and communication capabilities will be improved with the addition of the V-Satnet Communication System, which will link the coast guard with the Bangabandhu Satellite-1.
She said, “We have already given approval to purchase two helicopters and formed an aviation wing for the coast guard to make it a three-dimensional force.”
The premier said her government has also consented to buy 4 more OPVs, 2 maritime version helicopters for patrolling and ensuring safety and security at the deep sea area.
She stressed securing the vast maritime boarders saying nowadays 90 percent business are being done by the marine ways.
She said her government has also nodded to construct nine replacement ships for the force.
The head of the government said already 16 ships and 138 boats were inducted to the force’s fleet to strengthen its capacity.
The prime minister said they will increase the existing manpower of the force to 15000 in phases with its modernisation to enhance capability to ensure security in the vast sea areas and protect its resources.
Sheikh Hasina said a dockyard is being built at Gazaria in Munshiganj aimed at constructing, repairing and maintaining the vessels and ships.
The prime minister stated that in addition to taking the initiative to transform Bangladesh into a center for east and west travel, her government is trying to improve the tourism industry.
She gave the coast guard employees a lot of credit for deterring several crimes while standing by the defenseless and innocent residents of the coastal regions.
As the people’s friend, she asked the BCG staff to carry out their obligations.
Sheikh Hasina reaffirmed the government’s goal of making Sonar Bangladesh a developed, affluent, and intelligent nation by 2041.
“The coast guard will play a special role in building the smart Bangladesh,” she hoped.
She said the coast guard had emerged as a force in 1994 in line with a bill brought in the Jatiya Sangsad by the then opposition party Awami League.
The prime minister said the AL government has always attached priorities to the development of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.
She claimed that after taking office for the first time in 1996, her government made significant efforts to promote the force’s growth by providing the necessary logistical resources, such as granting land for the force’s zones, adding various types of vessels, and developing infrastructure.
Then, after assuming office a second time, she stated that the coast guard had constructed a number of infrastructures at its stations and outposts in remote and coastal areas, including an administrative building, an officers’ mess, a coastal crisis management center, and lodging for base officers and sailors.
The prime minister stated that in order to establish the legal rights of his countrymen over the sea and marine resources, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, passed “The Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act” in 1974.
She said the United Nations (UN) formulated such a law in 1982.
She also said her government has established rights on a vast maritime area after winning legal battles with neighbouring India and Myanmar maintaining friendly relations following the path of Bangabandhu.
In recognition of their bravery and service, the prime minister awarded previous and present members of the Coast Guard medals, President coast guard medals, and Bangladesh coast guard (service) medals.
Rear Admiral Mir Ershad Ali, the director general of the BCG, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and Md Mustafizur Rahman, the ministry’s secretary for the Public Security Division, attended the event.
A well-groomed contingent of the Bangladesh Coast Guard also presented the prime minister with a state salute and a guard of honor at the start of the event.
There was a brief film documentary on the Coast Guard Vsatnet System shown.
Later, the prime minister enjoyed a cultural programme.
