Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to inaugurate two newly built Inshore Patrol Vessels, two Tug Boats and one floating carne for the Coast Guard on Wedensday, reports BSS.
“The newly built modern patrol vessels, tug boats and floating crane for making Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) a modern and capable force,” Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told the media on Tuesday.
“Bangladesh Coast Guard has successfully proved itself as true guardian at the sea by playing a key role in securing the Blue Economy of Bangladesh," he said.
“Now it is more capable to deal with any kind of challenge on the coastal zone under the pragmatic directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh Coast Guard was established with our vast knowledge about maritime and experiences,” said Kamal.
He said the Prime Minister has awarded Bangladesh Coast Guard the National Standard Award in 2015 for performing professional duties for the interest of the country.
Besides, the Coast Guard achieved the National Fisheries Award-2018 for its special contribution to the protection of fisheries resources.
“The modernization of the force is an ongoing process. As part of the modernization programme, various types of modern vessels have already been added to the force during the last 14 years. As part of it, the government has built five new water vessels,” the minister added.
More vessels and other equipment will be added to the Coast Guard fleet in future, Kamal said adding that following the Prime Minister’s directives, the government is considering to arrange aircraft and surveillance system for the coast guard.
He said the Coast Guard will be able to meet the challenges with incorporation of those modern ships and developed communication systems.
“The government is making the Coast Guard as a modern and up-to-date force to enable it to carry out more new responsibilities in future,” he said.
Kamal said the role of the Coast Guard is increasing for maintaining the overall law and order situation in the vast coastal and marine waters, protecting fisheries, ensuring security of the country's seaports, anti-smuggling and anti-drug operations, as well as protecting life and properties of the coastal people during natural disasters.
Recalling the initiative of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the home minister said Bangabandhu framed "Territorial Waters and Maritime Zone Act" in 1974 to establish the legal rights in maritime area.
The Coast Guard (BCG) will be equipped with sophisticated patrol vessels, hovercrafts and other modern vessels to further strengthen its activities, he said.
“Bangladesh Coast Guard was established in 1994 through a private member’s bill in the Jatiya Sangsad with our (the then leader of the opposition) sincere efforts,” the minister added.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
