PM Hasina: Govt transforming Coast Guard into three-dimensional force

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said her government has been turning the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) into a modern and three-dimensional force adding ultra-modern smart technologies, ships and helicopters to face the 21st century's challenges.

"None will lag behind. The coast guard will be made capable to face the 21st century's challenges with inclusion of modern technology based ships, helicopters and the force's communication system development," she said.

The premier said this while addressing a function marking the 29th founding anniversary of the BCG and the BCG Day-2024 at the Coast Guard Headquarters in the capital's Agargaon area.

She said her government will add a high-quality modern ship, maritime surveillance system-incorporated hovercraft and high-speed boats to the coast guard fleet to make the force more modern and stronger.

At the same function, the premier also inaugurated the Bangladesh Coast Guard Vsatnet Communication System and the newly constructed six physical infrastructures at the BCG stations at Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, Mirsarai, Sandwip, Nidraskina and Shahpari Outpost.

The inclusion of the V-Satnet Communication System that will connect the coast guard with the Bangabandhu Satellite-1 will enhance the force's communication and operational abilities, Sheikh Hasina said.

She said: "We have already given approval to purchase two helicopters and formed an aviation wing for the Coast Guard to make it a three-dimensional force."

The premier said her government has also consented to buy four more OPVs, two maritime version helicopters for patrolling and ensuring safety and security at the deep sea area.

She stressed securing the vast maritime borders saying that nowadays, 90% of business aree being done by the marine ways.

She said her government has also nodded to construct nine replacement ships for the force.

The head of the government said already 16 ships and 138 boats were inducted to the force's fleet to strengthen its capacity.

The prime minister said they will increase the existing manpower of the force to 15,000 in phases with its modernisation to enhance capability to ensure security in the vast sea areas and protect its resources.

Source: BSS