Int’l community stands by Bangladesh: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the international community has stood with Bangladesh following the recent terror attacks in the country, and they understood that the country could tackle any situation.

"Bangladesh was born to live as a peaceful and prosperous nation, and the present government is working to make the dream true and reach the benefit of independence to people," she said.

The Prime Minister was addressing a function at President Guard Regiment (PGR) headquarters at Dhaka Cantonment marking the 41st founding anniversary of the regiment.

"It's our misfortune that Bangladesh's image has slightly become tarnished due to the incidents, but the country has the capacity to tackle any situation," she added.

Army Chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, and PGR Commandant Brigadier General Md Jahangir Harun received the Prime Minister on her arrival at the PGR headquarters.

PM's security adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, the chiefs of Naval and Air Staff, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division and senior military and civil officials were present. PGR Commandant Brigadier General Md. Jahangir Harun also spoke on the occasion. 

Emphasising on keeping up the security forces with the latest technology, Hasina said they will have to have modern training and they must know the newer tactics to make them able to thwart any security threats and terror plots.

"The terrorists are changing the way of committing crimes and they're using sophisticated technologies in their terrorist activities. So, the people responsible for security should be given modern training to enhance their capacity to tackle the situation," she said. 

"The PGR members have to build them as a time-befitting force in terms of competence and strategy to keep them familiar with the changed global situation." the Prime Minister said.

Terming the PGR a brilliant force, Hasina said in the course of time the force has brightened its image with its own credit. Members of the regiment, picked up from the Bangladesh Army under a special selection system, are well trained, she noted.

Hasina said everybody acclaimed the PGR's role in safeguarding the security of the very important persons and holding different state programmes. "As the head of the government I see you very closely and I'm pleased with your dutifulness, hard work and sincerity." 

She said she has the confidence that the PGR members would always discharge their duties in coordination with professionalism, loyalty and discipline. 

Hasina exchanged pleasantries with PGR officials and junior commissioned officers. She also met family members of the martyrs of PGR members and handed over some gifts and donation.