PM asks BGB to stay alert

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel to remain alert to prevent the recurrence of any incident like the 2009 BDR mutiny.

"The BGB has turned into a dynamic and modern force with the sincere efforts of all. Through your hard labour, the reputation and dignity of this force have been restored,” she said.

"…you must stay alert so that such suicidal incident cannot take place in future."

The PM was addressing the formal parade of BGB Day-2015 at the BGB headquarters in the capital.

Hasina termed the mutiny and killings at Pilkhana on February 25-26, 2009 “a black chapter of the force”.

She said she had to face an unstable situation soon after assuming office and she tackled it with the united efforts of the BGB members.

The PM added that the BGB is now completely free from its stigma following the trial of its unruly and misleading personnel involved with the mutiny.

She also asked the BGB personnel to discharge their duties with utmost honesty and patriotism and thus continue to gain the confidence and trust of the people.

BSS adds: Hasina said the flag of the BGB was raised on January 23, 2011 to expedite the operational activities of the force.

"The goodwill and dignity of the force has been restored because of hard labour of all members of the force," she said, adding that the force is playing a better role than in the past during any emergency period, natural disaster, nation building activities and in aid of civil administration.

On her arrival at the BGB headquarters, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Director General of BGB Major General Aziz Ahmed welcomed her.

On the occasion, an attractive parade was arranged at Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain Parade Ground. The PM reviewed the parade and took salute.

Cabinet members, PM's advisors, Leader of the Opposition, parliament members, chiefs of three services, diplomats and high civil and military officials were present.

The PM handed over BGB Medal (BGBM) to 10 BGB members, President Border Guard Medal (PBGM) to 20 BGB members, BGB Medal-Service (BGBMS) to 10 BGB members and PBGM-Service (PBGMS) to 20 BGB members for their courageous and brilliant contribution in various activities of the force.

Hasina also inaugurated three newly constructed 50-bed hospitals of BGB at Chuadanga, Thakurgaon and Khagrachhari.

She also unveiled the logo of the "Simanta Bank". At that time Bangladesh bank governor handed over the "Letter of Intent" of Simanta Bank to the BGB director general.