Forty members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard were awarded medals yesterday in recognition of their professional excellence and courageous role in anti-crime operations last year.
State Minister for Home Assaduzzaman Khan distributed the medals at a function, marking Coast Guard Day 2014 at the BCG headquarters at Agargaon in the city.
The minister in his speech said: “The government has already taken all measures to modernise the BCG by 2021.”
He said the BCG would have to strengthen vigilance along Bangladesh’s maritime boundaries which are rich in minerals.
“I am aware of your problems and limitations, especially boat and manpower shortages,” he said, adding that they had already imported some boats, and that others technical support would be provided to BCG soon.
Senior Secretary of Home Ministry CQK Mustak Ahmed was present as special guest, while BCG Director General M Makbul Hossain gave the welcome speech.
Addressing the ceremony, Home Secretary Mustak Ahmed said the BCG, a paramilitary force assigned to enforce law and order at sea, was playing a significant role in checking the smuggling of drugs and arms.
At the beginning of the ceremony, a contingent of BCG provided aguard of honour for the state minister after his arrival at the BCG Headquarters.
The medals have been put into four categories: 10 officers and sailors got the Bangladesh Coast Guard Padak, 10 got the President Coast Guard Padak, 10 got the Bangladesh Coast Guard (service) Padak and 10 got the President Coast Guard (Service) Padak.
