Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the government will transform the Bangladesh Coast Guard into a three-dimensional force by inducting new technology and modern equipment, UNB reported.
“We have already given approval in-principle for the formation of an Aviation Wing with the purchase of 2 helicopters which will make the Coast Guard a three-dimensional force,” she said.
The prime minister said this while addressing the 29th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Coast Guard at the BCG headquarters at Agargaon in the city.
She said that the government has recently approved a new project to build 9 replacement ships for Bangladesh Coast Guard.
Besides, she said, approval has been given for the procurement of 4 more OPVs, 2 maritime version helicopters for deep sea patrolling by the Coast Guard for the safety of the public engaged in sea-based professions and waterways.
“In order to modernize and strengthen the Bangladesh Coast Guard, advanced technology ships, maritime surveillance systems, hovercrafts and high-speed boats are going to be added to this force very soon,” she said.
The prime minister expressed her optimism that through the addition of all these ships with modern technology and the development of communication systems, this force will acquire more capabilities to face the challenges of the 21st century and will play a significant role in building a smart Bangladesh.
In addition, she said, plans have been adopted to increase the current strength to 15,000 manpower gradually as per the Vision 2030 and Vision 2041 to modernise the force to provide blue economy and security at sea.
“To build the smart Bangladesh I believe that this force will play special role,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said a dockyard is also being built at Gazaria in Munshiganj for the construction, repair and maintenance of the force’s vessels and ships.
Some 16 vessels including four OPVs (Offshore Patrol Vessels) and 138 boats have been inducted in the BCG fleet, she mentioned.
bd-pratidin/GR
