PM Sheikh Hasina optimist about BGB performing their duty with patriotism

She said the mutiny that took place at Pilkhana on February 25-26 in 2009 is a black chapter in the 220 years' history of the force. The Border Guard Bangladesh Act -2010 was enacted aimed at building a modern and time-befitting border force, she said.

The prime minister was addressing the BGB Parade marking the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day-2015 on Sunday at BGB headquarters at Pilkhana here.

Sheikh Hasina said the flag of the BGB was raised on January 23, 2011 to expedite the operational activities of the force. With the sincere efforts of all the border force is now free from all curses and stepped in becoming into a dynamic and modern force, she said.

"The goodwill and dignity of the force has been restored because of hard labour of all members of the force," she said, adding that the force is playing a better role than in the past in any emergency period, natural disaster, nation building activities and in aid of civil administration.

On her arrival at BGB headquarters, Home Minister Asaduzzaman khan and Director General of BGB Major General Aziz Ahmed received the prime minister.

On the occasion, an attractive parade was arranged at Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain Parade Ground at BGB headquarters. The prime minister reviewed the parade and took salute.

Cabinet members, PM's advisors, Leader of the Opposition, parliament members, chiefs of three services, diplomats and high civil and military officials were present.

The prime minister handed over BGB Medal (BGBM) to 10 BGB members, President Border Guard Medal (PBGM) to 20 BGB members, BGB Medal-Service (BGBMS) to 10 BGB members and PBGM-Service (PBGMS) to 20 BGB members for their courageous and brilliant contribution in various activities of the BGB.

The prime minister inaugurated three newly constructed 50-bed hospitals of BGB at Chuadanga, Thakurgaon and Khagrachhari. She also unveiled the logo of the "Simanta Bank". At that time Bangladesh Bank Governor handed over the "Letter of Intent" of Simanta Bank to BGB Director General.

The prime minister witnessed the attractive 'Trick Drill' and the 'Dogs Drill' of the BGB during the parade.

Addressing the parade the prime minister said the BGB is now fully freed from its stigma through holding trial of its unruly and misleading mutineers. She urged the force to remain alert so that such kind of suicidal attempt could not take place in future.

Praising the role of BGB in recent years the prime minister said goods and drug smuggling, women and children trafficking and other border crimes reduced to a great extent because of vigilance of BGB in the borders. Border killings have been reduced with the strengthening of friendship between BGB with BSF in the recent years, she said.

Referring to the successful implementation of LBA with India, the Prime Minister said it is a diplomatic and political success of her government and this has also increased the responsibility in border areas.

Highlighting various steps taken by her government for modernizing the BGB, the prime minister said the Border Security Bureau has been set up strengthening the intelligence agency of the BGB. Four new sectors and four regional intelligence bureau have been set up along with 13 battalions. Two more battalions would be set up in the next fiscal year, she said.

About the new BGB organogram, Sheikh Hasina said provision has been kept for increasing the manpower of this force. More than 22,000 personnel have so far been recruited at this force.

Sheikh Hasina said that some 100 female soldiers have been recruited in the BGB this year for the first time while work for creating own air wing of BGB is going on in full swing to increase the operational capacity of this force.

Besides, she said, computerization of the service record of BGB members, own emailing system at the internal office works, introducing video conferencing system have been ensured while high powered antenna alongside radio link has been set up at the CHT areas to ensure modern and uninterrupted telecommunication system.

The Prime Minister said to make the BGB enriched with information and technology, ICT Battalion has been set up while work is going on to build 10-storey BGB Simanto Sombhar at Peelkhana and six-storey BGB Welfare Trust Building.

Fifteen 'Cyclone Shelters' type BOP were constructed as part of the modernization of the BOPs, solar panels have been set up at 333 BOPs over the last three years while power connections have been given to some 29 BOPs.

She said that exchange of training programme has been introduced with the Border force of the neighbouring country in a bid to enhance mutual trust and confidence building.

Noting that there is no alternative to training for building a disciplined and skilled force, Sheikh Hasina said her government has implemented various steps to turn BGB as a skilled, smart, strategic and capable of taking prompt decisions.

Later, the prime minister addressed a Darbar of BGB at Bir Uttam Fazlur Rahman Khandakar Auditorium.