Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has urged the Bangladesh Coast Guard to continue their effort to combat illegal trafficking of drugs and humans.
He made the call in a programme held at the Bangladesh Coast Guard headquarters to mark the 21st founding anniversary of the force on Sunday afternoon.
He said: “The coast guards have to become more efficient and continue their effort in combating trafficking of humans and illegal products, specially drugs.”
The minister said the number of coast guards has increased to 3,329 from 2,225 in the last couple of years.
Kamal said: “Around 94% of the import and export activities taking place on the sea ports and this is where the coast guards use give security.”
Meanwhile, a total of 31 officials and staffs were awarded with Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal and President Coast Guard medal for their efforts and activities last year.
Although it is the 21st founding anniversary but the award giving tradition started in 2013.
Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral M Makbul Hossain said: “The port judgement authority INB has declared Chittagong port safe only because of the efforts of the coast guards.
“They will able to play more effective role in the upcoming days as the coast guards will get more vessel with highly equipment instruments and some of which would join the operation from coming June.”
He said the others would join the operation within upcoming year.
Presently, the forces providing security to 1,11,631 square kilometre economic area, which is totally in the territory of Bangladesh.
Chief of Bangladesh navy, Inspector General of Police, Director general of RAB, director general of DGFI, director general of NSI, director general of fire service and civil defence and high official of Navy and Bangladesh coast guard were also present in the occasion, among others.
