BGB holds passing-out parade for 103rd batch

The graduation parade of the 103rd recruit batch of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) was held on Wednesday at the Bir Uttam Mojibur Rahman Parade Ground of the Border Guard Training Centre and College (BGTCC) in Baitul Izzat, Satkania, Chattogram.

BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui attended the ceremony as chief guest. He inspected the parade and received the salute from the newly recruited soldiers. Commandant of BGTCC Brigadier General Gazi Nahiduzzaman was also present.

The formal proceedings began at 9:30am with a guard of honour for the BGB Director General, followed by the oath-taking ceremony and the graduation parade of the 103rd recruit batch.

In his address, the BGB DG paid tribute to the 817 martyred personnel of the then East Pakistan Rifles who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War of 1971. He also remembered the martyrs of the anti-discrimination student and mass movement of July–August 2024 and conveyed his prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured.

Describing BGB as the "ever-vigilant sentinels of the border", Major General Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui highlighted the force's role in guarding the 4,427-kilometre-long border, protecting borderlands and national assets, and preventing trans-border crimes such as drug and arms smuggling and human trafficking. He noted that BGB also contributes significantly to maintaining internal law and order by assisting the civil administration with trust and integrity.

Addressing the new recruits, he urged them to uphold BGB's core values of morale, brotherhood, discipline and competence. "Discipline is the hallmark of a soldier's life. A true soldier never hesitates in carrying out orders and responsibilities. Honesty, intelligence, reliability, loyalty, vigour and enthusiasm are the standards of a force's discipline and professionalism," he said. He encouraged the recruits to embrace these values and serve the nation with honour and dedication.

Speaking directly to the newly inducted female recruits, the BGB DG recalled the courageous participation and sacrifices of women during the Liberation War. He expressed confidence that the female members of the 103rd batch would play a more dynamic role in the force's operations through honesty, commitment and professionalism.

He commended the spirited and well-coordinated performance by the recruits and reminded them that their responsibilities would grow in the future. He stressed that the force's reputation and pride depended on the integrity and professionalism of its members. "You must never show leniency to opposing border forces and be ready to sacrifice your life, if needed, to defend even an inch of the motherland," he said, calling on the soldiers to always uphold the public's trust.

The Director General thanked the BGTCC Commandant and all those involved in organising the training and parade. He also congratulated the top-performing recruits, including Recruit No. 574, Saif Mia, who secured the first position overall.

The event concluded with the final salute by the parade team to the BGB DG, followed by an impressive trick drill and a musical performance by the BGB band.

The 103rd recruit batch commenced their basic training on 26 January 2025. After completing 24 weeks of rigorous instruction, a total of 694 recruits—including 658 men and 36 women—took their oaths and formally began their careers as BGB soldiers.

The ceremony was attended by senior BGB officials, army officers from Chattogram and Cox's Bazar regions, representatives from the civil administration and police, public figures, distinguished guests, and members of the media.