BGB Day-2022 today

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day-2022 is being celebrated today (December 20) through various programmes at its Pilkhana headquarters and all battalions across the country.

On the occasion, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages greeting the BGB members and wishing the day's programme a success.

In his message, President Hamid recalled the contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to achieve the independence of Bangladesh and said the message of the Father of the Nation's declaration of independence was delivered wirelessly to the remote areas of the country from the EPR (now BGB) headquarters.

At the directive of Bangabandhu, the Bangalee members of the then EPR created an all-out resistance against the Pakistani occupation forces, he said, adding that some 817 members, including Birshreshtha Noor Mohammad Sheikh and Birshreshtha Munshi Abdur Rouf, of the force set an unique example of patriotism by sacrificing their lives in the Liberation War.

The paramilitary force BDR (now BGB) won the 'Swadhinata Padak' in 2008 for its role in the Liberation War, the President said.

Noting that the present government has transformed the paramilitary force more organized, smarter, disciplined and professional, reorganizing and modernizing the BGB by taking different initiatives following the Bangabandhu's footsteps, Hamid said ultra-modern equipment have been added to the BGB to make the border guarding force a modern one to face the challenges of the 21st century.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangabandhu himself had started the work for modernizing and reorganizing the border guarding force (now BGB).

In continuation of the government efforts, Sheikh Hasina said, required number of manpower has been increased by establishing new regions, sectors, battalions and BOPs for reorganizing the force and decentralizing the command level.

Noting that the manpower of the force will be increased to 92,000 by 2041, she said, “I believe that there is no alternative to professional excellence for boosting the morale and courage of the force”.

Highlighting different development works of the border security force, she said, the latest MI-171-E helicopters have already been added to the force by creating the Border Guard Bangladesh Air Wing.

Sophisticated anti-tank weapons have been added to the force to ensure border security and sovereignty, Sheikh Hasina said, adding All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) has been added to enhance mobility in patrolling in the remote border.

With the help of modern digital technology, she said, ‘Smart Digital Surveillance and Tactical Border Response System’ has been installed in vulnerable and sensitive areas of the border to ensure flawless security at the border.

Moreover, implementation of constructing 1036 kilometer of border roads for the people living in hilly border and remote areas have started, Sheikh Hasina added.

Marking the day, special prayers were offered at all mosques in Pilkhana after Fazr prayers.

Later, BGB Director General (DG) Major General Shakil Ahmed hoisted BGB's regimental flags atop BGB headquarters formally and paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the ‘Simanto Gourab’ at the BGB headquarters.

To mark the day, a formal parade was held at Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain Parade Ground in BGB headquarters at 10 on the day.

Other programmes of the day includes a grand 'Joint Retreat Ceremony' by BGB-BSF at the ICP adjacent to the land ports of Benapole, Panchagarh and Brahmanbaria, holding of a special Darbar of the BGB DG, distributing medals and insignia, distributing awards for outstanding work, promotion to Honorary Assistant Director and Honorary Deputy Director, distributing grants and gifts to the freedom fighters/successors of the forces, a reception function, milad and special prayers and cultural programmes.
 
Inputs taken from BSS