President, PM urge coast guard to work with patriotism

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday hoped that the members of the coast guard would work with patriotism, sincerity, honesty, courage and cordiality to ensure foolproof security of the country's maritime and coastal regions.

In separate messages on the eve of the 22nd anniversary of Bangladesh Coast Guard and "Coast Guard Day 2017”, they also lauded the role of the members of the coast guard in protecting maritime recourses of the country.

President Abdul Hamid said, "With relentless efforts of the government, Bangladesh achieved legal and economical rights over a large maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal through the verdict of an international court. And the coast guard members are playing vital roles in protecting the maritime resources".

The force is also working relentlessly in preventing illegal infiltration, human trafficking, smuggling and piracy in the coastal areas of the country, he added.

In her speech, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the government has already taken various measures to build the coast guard as a capable force, and added that "The government has already set up a modern training base and procured high-speed ships and boats for this force".

The premier also said the manpower of the coast guard and the numbers of stations for the force have been increased and two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) were added to the force.

However, the process of appointing manpower aiming at enhancing professional skill and competence of the coast guard members is underway, she added.

The Prime Minister hoped that the coast guard would secure harnessing of maritime resources and contribute to implement the 'Vision-2021' and 'Vision 2041' of the government.

The president and the premier also wished successes of the coast guard and greeted its members on the occasion.

Source: BSS