Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has laid importance on building a strong security system to protect inland water resources, security of river routes, and curb crimes across the coast.
She said this at a function celebrating the 20th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, and presented the National Standard to the Guard at its headquarters at Agargaon in the capital on Sunday, reports BSS.
The premier also underscored the need for prudent exploitation, acquiring, and conservation of the country's massive sea resources, along with their optimum utilisation for the country's economic development, saying a country which used its sea resources best could take its economy forward at a quicker pace.
She urged Coast Guard members to work with devotion and sincerity so as to uphold the motto of the force, "Guardian at Sea," and the dignity of the National Standard, in hopes that the recognition would encourage the Coast Guard members to carry forward the operational and welfare activities of the force.
State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was present as special guest.
The PM presented the National Standard to Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral M Moqbul Hossain.
She also conferred the Bangladesh Coast Guard Padak, President Coast Guard Padak, Bangladesh Coast Guard (Seba) Padak and President Coast Guard (Seba) Padak to 35 officers and sailors of the Coast Guard for showing courage and outstanding services.
The National Standard was given to Bangladesh Coast Guard in recognition of its long professional experience and excellence, along with successes in operational activities to protect country's fish and coastal forest resources, and to combat smuggling and drug control.