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Published on July 5, 2017
Terrorism is now a global problem, but Bangladesh is successfully tackling them, she said at the 42nd founding anniversary of the President Guard Regiment or PGR at its Dhaka Cantonment headquarters on Wednesday.
“We are very successful because all of us took part in the fight against militancy, and this has set an example for the rest of the world. We have to maintain this, so that militancy can never take hold,” said Hasina.
Her statement comes four days after the first anniversary of the deadly terror attack on Gulshan’s upscale Holey Artisan cafe, which killed 22 people, including 17 foreigners.
Before that siege, Bangladesh had also seen a number of militant attacks last year.
After the Gulshan attack, the law-enforcement agencies launched a nationwide crackdown that left more than 50 militants dead. The armed forces also took part in several raids.
About PGR and its responsibility, Hasina on Wednesday said its role was appreciated by all. “Your devotion to duty impresses me, makes me proud.”
Since 1991, when the parliamentary government system was introduced, the PGR has been responsible for the security of the president and the head of state.
At Wednesday’s function, the prime minister prayed for the PGR personnel who died on duty and extended her condolences to their families.
She also mentioned that her government took many steps, including increasing the number of PGR personnel and allowances and solving their housing problems.
Emphasising training for developing skills and excellence of PGR members, Hasina mentioned the government measures taken to modernise and strengthen the armed forces.
“We want to keep pace with the rest of the world. We don't want our armed forces to lag behind in any of the fields. Keeping that in mind, we're making our armed forces more modernised and stronger.”
The prime minister also said: “Bangladesh may have limited resources. But as an independent and sovereign state, we must have whatever is necessary even if that’s little in size.”
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