Coast Guard appears to be symbol of trust: Jahangir

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today (17 February) the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) has become a symbol of trust among coastal people.

"Since its establishment, members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard have been playing a key role in ensuring the security of the country's internal waterways risking their lives and preventing all illegal activities, such as drug, arms and human trafficking, illegal smuggling, piracy, unlawful fishing and others," he said.

The adviser made this remark while speaking as the chief guest at the 30th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Coast Guard Day-2025 celebration program at the Coast Guard Headquarters here, said a ministry press release.
 
In addition to ensuring the security of the sea and river routes through regular patrols, he said they also conduct rescue operations for vessels and sailors to be left into an accident.

He continued that role of this force in various public awareness activities, including raising awareness among local people, fishermen and boat owners in dealing with natural disasters in coastal areas, is highly commendable.

Especially during cyclones, floods and other natural disasters, Coast Guard members are making a special contribution to saving the lives of people and conducting relief activities, he noted.

"Overall, the Coast Guard has become a symbol of trust among the people of the coastal areas and the general public of the country," said the home adviser.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry Nasimul Ghani spoke as the special guest at the event with Bangladesh Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Hoque in the chair.

Jahangir said the interim government is committed to the overall development of the Coast Guard, adding, the force is currently in the process of purchasing high-speed boats with armored or bullet-proof facilities, ground control stations and surveillance drones.

Furthermore, the Coast Guard is also planning to purchase rescue drones along with helicopters, he said.

He went on to say, that 179 modern and speedy vessels have been incorporated into the force, which has greatly increased its operational capabilities.

Accommodation, barracks and administrative buildings for the force have been built, while the VSATNET System has been installed on the Coast Guard ships to bring a revolutionary change in the communication system in the deep sea, he said.

In addition, inshore patrol vessels, floating cranes, tug boats and various types of high-speed boats have been added to the Coast Guard fleet under various development projects, he mentioned.

The adviser also said that recently, the government has approved a project to build 9 patrol vessels in domestic shipyards to replace the 9 old ships of the Coast Guard fleet.

"If these modern ships are added to the Bangladesh Coast Guard fleet, the operational capabilities of this force will increase manifold compared to any time in the past," he noted.

Jahangir said the Bangladesh Coast Guard has played an extraordinary role in maintaining law and order through various operations after the mass uprising of the students and the public.

"Overall, Bangladesh Coast Guard has been making a sustainable contribution to national security and economy as an efficient, modern and powerful force," he added.

The advisor also called on every member of the Bangladesh Coast Guard to be committed to discharging duties with honesty, patriotism, discipline, dedication, and determination to build a developed and prosperous Bangladesh by ensuring the country's sovereignty, sea and national security.

He congratulated all the members of the Coast Guard who have been awarded for their efficiency and special contributions. This year more than 40 Coast Guard members were awarded medals for their performance and special contributions.

At the outset, audio visuals on various activities of the Coast Guard were displayed at the event.