Published: 12:09 AM, 29 April 2026
Coast Guard Marks 31st Founding Anniversary with Festive Spirit
The 31st founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Coast Guard was celebrated with great enthusiasm and due solemnity at its headquarters in Dhaka's Agargaon on Tuesday.
The event was attended by the Honorable Home Minister of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed, as the chief guest, and the respected Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Monjur Morshed Chowdhury, as the special guest. Also present were Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, along with secretaries from various ministries, diplomats, and distinguished military and civilian guests, according to a press release.
During the event, the Home Minister awarded medals to 14 personnel of the Coast Guard in recognition of their bravery and dedicated service. Among them, four received the Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal, four were awarded the Bangladesh Coast Guard (Service) Medal, three received the President Coast Guard Medal, and three were honored with the President Coast Guard (Service) Medal.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard was established following the legal framework introduced in 1994 by then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, recognizing the need to safeguard the country's vast coastal areas. The force was formally established on February 14, 1995, and officially inaugurated on December 19 of the same year in her presence.
Since its inception, members of the Coast Guard have been playing a vital role in ensuring national security by maintaining constant vigilance across remote coastal regions, inland waterways, and maritime boundaries. The force has been instrumental in protecting lives and property, preventing smuggling, safeguarding fisheries, combating drug trafficking, and conducting rescue and relief operations during natural disasters.
Addressing the ceremony, the Home Minister stated that the government is implementing various initiatives to develop the Coast Guard into a modern and time-worthy force.
As part of these efforts, three surveillance drones have already been added to its fleet, and the process of acquiring new vessels is underway.
He further added that there are plans to increase the force's manpower to 10,000 and enhance operational capacity through the addition of maritime helicopters, modern drones, and new watercraft.
The minister also noted that construction of multi-role response vessels and offshore patrol vessels is progressing rapidly through international cooperation. Additionally, initiatives have been taken to include high-speed bulletproof boats, which will significantly strengthen crime control efforts in coastal areas.
