DHAKA, Dec 23, 2024 (BSS) - Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today urged the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to perform their duties as vigilant safeguards.

"This paramilitary force, which is 229 years old, should perform their duties perfectly as a vigilant border guard for becoming a symbol of trust of the nation," he said.

The adviser made this call while addressing a medal-distribution ceremony, marking the BGB Day-2024 at BGB's border conference centre at Pilkhana here this morning.

The role and professionalism of the force are praiseworthy, as the force is performing different nation-building activities apart from dealing with emergency situations, accidents, and natural calamities, along with protecting borders as well as assisting civil administration in maintaining law and order in the country.

Recalling the brave and glorious role of the BGB, the home adviser said nearly 12,000 members of the then BDR participated actively in the Liberation War in 1971. Of them, 817 members of the paramilitary force, including two Bir Sreshtho, eight Bir Uttom, thirty-two Bir Bikram, and seventy-seven Bir Protik, sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War. 

Terming the BGB as the disciplined force, Jahangir said the main tool of the BGB members is patriotism, honesty, and unwavering morale, adding that the BGB members should be strong and fearless in protecting every inch of land of the country and in stopping smuggling.

He said, "The force must be responsible and people-friendly while facing internal situations."

The success of the developed and disciplined force depends on integrity and establishing a chain of command in every phase of their work. The home adviser, however, urged the BGB members to perform their duties with due honesty and strictly follow the chain of command.

BGB director general Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui gave the welcome address at the function, while special assistant on home affairs to the Chief Adviser M Khuda Baksh Chowdhury and Home Secretary Dr Nasim Ahmed also spoke at the function as the special guests.

A total of seventy-two BGB members got different medals for their career performance.

Later, the adviser participated in a reception organized by the BGB for gallantry liberation war veterans and their family members.