PM Upholds The Importance Of Chain Of Command In Disciplined Force

"I believe that accomplishment of any work with efficiency, discipline and skillfulness is possible if respectfulness and loyalty are shown to the commanders of all levels," she said.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing the 39th founding anniversary function of "Independent President's Guard Regiment (PGR)" at Dhaka Cantonment yesterday afternoon.

PM's Security Adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Chief of Army Staff General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, Chief of Naval Staff Vice-Admiral Muhammad Farid Habib, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Mohammad Inamul Bari, Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Haque and high civil and military officials were present on the occasion.

PGR Commandant Brigadier General Anwar Sohel Siddiqui delivered vote of thanks at the function.

On her arrival at the PGR Headquarters, the Prime Minister was given a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the PGR. She later inspected the guard and took salute.

The Premier handed over donation and gifts among the family members of the guard members who embraced martyrdom while performing duty. She also signed the visitor's book.

Sheikh Hasina hoped that the PGR members would move ahead by keeping complete confidence in the leadership. "I also hope that the commanders would always maintain necessary attention to their subordinates," she said.

Mentioning that there is no alternative to training in the military life, the Prime Minister said efficiency and skill could be ensured through proper training.

"Proper training help increase professional knowledge of all," she said, hoping that the PGR members would continue regular training and professional practice side by side with discharging duty.

As the architect of the "Digital Bangladesh", she said, her government wants to ensure information technology in all spheres.

"Like all areas and organizations, the PGR is applying information technology for performing its responsibility," she said, adding the use of technology has reduced their physical labour and made the security more effective.

Remembering the PGR predecessors who have glorified the history of the regiment through their highest sacrifice, Sheikh Hasina hoped that: "Your integrity and attitude of self-dedication to ensure security for the head of state and the head of government would exist forever."

The Prime Minister said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman founded the PGR on July 5 in 1975 in his extraordinary farsightedness for the need of the state.

With the rotation of time, she said, that regiment in continuation of the development has now been established as an independent regiment.

"I meet you every day while performing duty, and your efficiency, dutifulness and integrity have proved that you are especially selected and dependable guard members," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the PGR members are discharging their responsibility with utmost trustworthiness, loyalty, discipline and professionalism. "As the head of the government, I have close relations with this regiment," she said.

She said the PGR has now been established as a strong and well-acclaimed independent organization.

"I am very impressed and proud of seeing you performing your responsibility with utmost integrity by braving sunshine, rain and storm during day and night," she said.

Terming the armed forces as a symbol of the country's independence and sovereignty, the Prime Minister said her government would do everything necessary for modernization and further strengthening the armed forces.

"Our government is pledge-bound for overall development of the country and the nation and materializing Bangabandhu's dream of modernization of the armed forces," she said.

As part of the plan for modernization of the armed forces, she said, Bangladesh has signed an agreement with Russia to buy arms worth one billion US dollars, the highest amount so far.

"Through this deal, we have been able to purchase modern arms from Russia at a very low price," she said, adding, "These arms will enhance the capability of the armed forces to a great extent."

She said these arms would also increase the reputation of members of Bangladesh armed forces deployed in the UN peacekeeping missions. "Besides, we could earn huge foreign currencies through it," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladeshi troops have been deployed in UN peacekeeping missions in different countries and they have proved their superiority in establishing peace on the world stage through their efficiency and tireless labour.

"For this, the country and nation have become proud and hopeful, and you are especially selected from that proud and efficient army. I see reflection of a very disciplined and professional force due to your resolute strolling and integrity in performing duty," she said.

Listing various steps for the development of the PGR, the Prime Minister said her government for the first time introduced the guards allowance in 1998 considering the risk of the guard members.

"An air-conditioned mosque has been built for the guard members deployed for the security of Ganobhaban to facilitate them to offer prayers near their residence," she said.

Besides, she said, the work on construction of a barrack for 150 PGR members is under process to solve the housing problems of guard members of Ganobhaban.

Sheikh Hasina said she is very happy, as the PGR has been established as an independent regiment and introduction of its new formation sign.

"I hope that you would always uphold your dutifulness like fearless soldiers in any situation," she said.

The Prime Minister said her government has been working with a challenge to reduce the prices of essentials, root out corruption and militancy, establish good governance and remove electricity and energy crisis.

"We would do everything for bringing smiles on the faces of the common people and the country\'s progress and prosperity Insha Allah," she said.

Sheikh Hasina later joined an iftar hosted by the PGR in her honour. A munajat was offered on the occasion seeking continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)