ZCZC
BSS-09
PM-BGB-PARADE-LEAD
PM asks BGB members to be imbued with bonding spirit
(Recasts, ADDs ‘darbar’ address)
DHAKA, Dec 20, 2017 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged the
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members to nurture the spirit of mutual
confidence, respect, discipline and sympathy to strengthen its morale.
“Mutual confidence and respect as well as discipline at all level and
sympathy to each others would make strong the fibres of bonds in the force,”
the premier said while addressing a parade of the border force marking the
Border Guard Bangladesh Day-2017 at its Pilkhana headquarters here.
The premier asked all BGB personnel to obey the force’s rules and
discipline and work for country’s welfare.
Sheikh Hasina said BGB members’ loyalty and sincerity are beyond question
and the people have immense confidence in the ability of the force to protect
the frontier, maintain law and order and serve to overcome natural or social
disasters.
The premier assured her government’s complete support to the development of
the force saying “BGB is a glorious organization as far as we consider their
sacrifice in the Liberation War”.
The 222-year old force was raised up in 1795 as ‘Ramgarh Local Battalion’
and in course of time and geopolitical changes the force was renamed several
times and currently operating as BGB with the premier task of border
protection.
Sheikh Hasina said responding to the call of the Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, members of the force waged resistance
against Pakistani soldiers in the very first hour of the Liberation War in
1971.
They transmitted the proclamation of the Independence across the country
through wireless and on that charge Pakistani army killed the then EPR
Subedar Major Showkat Ali and his four associates.
Sheikh Hasina said around 12 thousand Bengali soldier of the EPR took part
in the Liberation War and 817 of them embraced martyrdom.
Two Birshrestras of EPR- Lance Nayek Nur Mohammad Sheikh and Lance Nayek
Munsi Abdur Rouf- are the pride of the nation. Eight Bir Uttam and 32 Bir
Bikram and 77 Bir Pratik have glorified the history of the BGB through
showing their valor in the Liberation War, she said.
The prime minister recalled that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman had taken salute in the parade of the first batch of
Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) on January 8, 1973 and took many pragmatic steps to
make the force befitting to the age.
Pointing out the BDR mutiny in February 2009 the Prime Minister said the
unexpected incident happened within one month and 19 days of formation of the
Awami League government when 57 smart military officers serving the border
force on deputation laid down their lives.
She paid rich tributes to the 57 slain officers and said the government
clamped down the rebellion very quickly and subsequently reconstituted the
force under a new law.
The premier praised the BGB role in curbing violent activities ahead of and
after the 2014 national election while its members showed their utmost
responsibility in resisting violence, terrorist activities and protecting
public lives and property.
She said BGB brightened its image and dignity in recent period through
handling the Rohingya issue, mitigating tension on border with Myanmar,
ensuring security of the Buddha villages in Ramu, tackling unstable situation
in CHT and providing assistance in rehabilitating the enclave people.
On her arrival at BGB headquarters Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan,
Secretary of the Public Security Division Md. Mostafa Kamal and Director
General of BGB Major General Abul Hossain received the prime minister.
She was given a state salute while the national anthem was played in the
background as an attractive parade was arranged at Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain
Parade Ground at BGB headquarters.
The premier reviewed the parade and took salute while BGB’s Deputy Director
General Colonel Md. Zulfiker Ali led it as the parade commander.
Sheikh Hasina unveiled a book titled “Border Guard Bangladesh, Smritite,
Birotte Ekattur” depicting BGB soldiers heroic role in 1971 Liberation War.
Cabinet members, parliament members, chiefs of three Armed
services, diplomats and high civil and military officials witnessed the
ceremony, which was followed by a “prime minister’s darbar” or meeting with
the BGB personnel when she particularly asked them to be extra vigilant in
preventing smuggling out of country’s wealth.
“We have to make sure that country’s wealth would not be used for own
luxury or smuggling to other countries . . . It will be used for nation’s
development. As politician and patriotic it’s our responsibility,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said her government is put in efforts to build a developed
nation. The country would have been a prosperous nation much before if
Bangabandhu was alive,” she said.
“We have got the country at the cost of huge blood. Why we will not be
able to make our country prosperous as we have liberated the country through
war,” Sheikh Hasina said.
BGB Director General Major General Abul Hossain thanked the Prime Minister
for unprecedented development of the force during the tenure of the present
government under her leadership.
“During your time the facilities of the BGB members were increased which
boosted up their mental strength,” he said.
Later, the prime minister replied to the questions of two BGB members.
BGB DIrector General presented the prime minister a crest and a painting on
Prime Minister and her two children.
Before the Darbar the Prime Minister cut a cake of the BGB Day-2017 and she
also exchanged pleasantries with number of BGB members from the BGP border
posts.
The prime minister handed over BGB Medal (BGBM) to 9 BGB members, President
Border Guard Medal (PBGM) to 18 BGB members, BGB Medal-Service (BGBMS) to 9
BGB members and PBGM-Service (PBGMS) to 15 BGB members for their courageous
and brilliant contribution to various activities of the BGB.
She also enjoyed a combined display namely ‘Uthsa theke Mohona’ performed
by BGB members and students of the BGB-run educational institutions.
Mentioning the steps taken by her government for capacity building of the
BGB members, for their housing and overall development, Sheikh Hasina said
steps were taken for modernization of the force according to the BGB Act,
2010.
Sheikh Hasina said female soldiers were now being recruited in BGB who are
plying very praiseworthy role in protecting borders.
She said the government has undertaken a plan to construct a total of
3,167 km ring road across the borders with India and Myanmar. A new region
and 25 additional platoons of BGB have been created on Myanmar border due to
current tension.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her firm optimism that members of
the BGB would discharge their duties with utmost honesty and patriotism to
uphold the goodwill and dignity of the border force and earn public
confidence.
Referring to the successful implementation of LBA with India, the Prime
Minister said BGB had a very strong role in implementing the agreement and
exchange of the enclaves.
BSS/AKH/SA/AR/1601 HRS