BGB Now an Organized, Dynamic and Modern Force: PM

She said BGB inherits a bright history of 219 years. Conspirators tried to demolish the glory. Reform measures, after the Pilkhana incident, have made it a modern and time befitting paramilitary force.

The Prime Minister was addressing a function marking Border Guard Bangladesh Day-2014 held at Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain Parade Ground at Pilkhana BGB Head Quarters in Dhaka this morning.

Sheikh Hasina said the force has a valiant and glorious role in the war of Liberation as it forged resistance against the invading force at the call of the Father of the Nation Banagabndhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The government has faced the ploy of the conspirators very consciously and patiently which has been appreciated by international community. Cooperation of all helped overcoming the situation and reconstitution of the force in a very short time, she said.

The Prime Minister said the government has executed various effective reforms measures including its total reformation. "Border Guard Bangladesh Act 2010 has been enacted; its command has been decentralized by setting up four new sectors and four regional head quarters under new organizational structure to make the force more effective and dynamic," she added.

Sheikh Hasina expressed her optimism that members of the BGB would continue accomplishing their duties and responsibilities with patriotism and honesty upholding the image and dignity of the force.

She also hoped that BGB members would work for materializing the dream of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahma who wanted the force to play important role in the economy of the country side by side with safeguarding country's border and thwarting smuggling.

Mentioning the glorious history with rich traditions and successful military expeditions of the BGB, the prime minister underscored the need for maintaining patriotism, honesty, dutifulness and brotherhood among its members to achieve the desired goals.

Sheikh Hasina recalled that the then EPR Wireless Operators sent Bangabandhu's proclamation of independence across the country from Pilkhana. Invading force killed Major Showkat Ali for transmitting the proclamation message of Bangabandhu.

Sheikh Hasina termed Bir Sreshtha Lance Naik Noor Mohammad and Bir Sreshtha Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rauf as symbols of heroes saying eight Bir Uttam, 32 Bir Bikram and 77 Bir Pratik belonging to this force also glorified the history of the nation through their heroic achievements.

The prime minister praised members of the BGB for their role in protecting the country's frontier and said the force has been performing their duties and responsibilities very efficiently and assisting the civil administration as well during any crisis or emergency situation.

In this connection, she mentioned that courageous role of BGB members in maintaining law and order as well as safeguarding lives and properties of the people last year.

Members of the BGB also strongly resisted the ill attempt of the terrorists and violent activists of BNP-Jamat-Shibir to foil the January 5 national election, she said.

She appreciated the services of BGB in reconstructing houses, shops and religious establishments destroyed by the BNP-Jamaat-Shibir activists before and after the January 5 election.

She paid tributes to the 74 martyrs of Pilkhana mutiny including 57 army officers. Some disgruntled members of the then BDR carried out the barbaric killing in the name of mutiny, she said adding the government completed the trial by bringing the accused to justice.

Sheikh Hasina said the government is actively considering construction of proposed 935 kilometer roads across Bangladesh- India border and 285 kilometer roads across Bangladesh-Myanmar border to strengthen BGB monitoring in the frontiers.

The prime minister highlighted the steps undertaken by her government for welfare and development of the force and its family members.

Earlier, the Prime Minister attended the parade of the BGB members and took salute. National anthem was played at that time. Sheikh Hasina inspected the parade riding in an open jeep.

Deputy Director General of the BGB and Parade Commander Akhter Hamid Khan conducted the parade.

The Prime Minister handed over President Border Guard Padak-2014 to 10 BGB members, Border Guard Bangladesh Padak-2014 to 20, President Border Guard (Sheba) Padak-2014 to 10 and Border Guard Bangladesh (Sheba) Padak-2014 to 20 BGB members for their outstanding contribution to the service.

On her arrival at the parade ground, the Prime Minister was received by State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan and BGB Director General Major General Aziz Ahmed.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)