Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the Bangladesh Coast Guard will be strengthened so that they can a play role in helping the government tap the potential of the blue economy.
“Keeping in mind the blue economy and Vision 2030 and 2041 for Coast Guard, the government has planned to increase its manpower from 4,781 to 15,000 gradually,” she said on Sunday.
The prime minister made the statement while addressing the commissioning program of two offshore patrol vessels, five in-shore patrol vessels, two fast patrol boats and BCG Base Bhola.
The prime minister joined the program, held at Coast Guard Berth Patenga, virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
In the event, Sheikh Hasina asked Bangladesh Coast Guard members to carry out their responsibilities with patriotism, honesty and faith.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses the commissioning program of two offshore patrol vessels, five in-shore patrol vessels, two fast patrol boats and BCG Base Bhola on Sunday, November 15, 2020 | Focus Bangla
"You’ll have to pay a special attention to your duties so that the good image of the Coast Guard always remains unharmed," she said.
She assured the force of all-out cooperation from the government in maintaining its forward march.
The prime minister said Narayanganj dockyard and Khulna shipyard, now operating under Bangladesh Navy, are building two inshore patrol vessels, one floating crane, two tugboats and 16 boats. "Soon, these will be inducted in the Coast Guard fleet."
She mentioned that a dockyard is being prepared in Gajaria for the Coast Guard to increase its capacity of repairing and maintenance.
"To enhance the capacity of this force, initiatives have been taken to procure hovercraft, drone, 3,500 metric ton vessel which can operate in all weathers. We want to build the Coast Guard as a modern and time befitting force," said. Sheikh Hasina.
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Terming Bangladesh a land of natural calamities, she said the people of the country have to live while facing all those natural adversities. "We have to live with those; we have to put our attention towards saving the lives of people facing all the odds; we have to acquire those capabilities."
Hasina said Bangladesh has a vast ocean boarder which can be utilized for the economic development of the country. "The Bay of Bengal is a very important ocean. Trade and commerce of many countries run through this area."
The prime minister added that the government wants to ensure security in coastal districts and improve their economic condition.
"Keeping that in mind, we want to use our sea resources for our economic development. That is why we have formulated an effective plan for the blue economy,” she said.
