KHULNA, May 11, 2022 (BSS) - Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today said that the Bangladesh Coast Guard had started its journey under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and it's now the real vanguard of the Sea.

"The Coast Guard started its journey to ensure the overall security of Bangladesh's maritime boundaries and the vast Sea," he said while speaking at a function of the para-military force at Khulna Shipyard here as chief guest.

The Minister said that 90 percent of the trade of our country is run through the Sea and the coast guard has been providing security to all the maritime vessels.

He ceremonially handed over one floating crane, two tug boats, six high speed boats and one inshore patrol vessel to Bangladesh Coast Guard here through this function.

Khulna Shipyard Ltd has constructed a floating crane, two tug boats, six high speed boats, while the DUW, Narayanganj constructed an inshore patrol vessel for the coast guard.

The Home Minister said Bangladesh won vast maritime boundaries after a long legal fight with our neighbouring countries and as a result huge reserves of marine resources were brought under our control in the Bay of Bengal."

"The government has taken various steps to increase the capacity of the Coast Guard to ensure safety and security of the sea-going ships and vessels," he added.

Kamal thanked the Khulna Shipyard Limited for constructing these boats by maintaining international standards.

Khulna Shipyard Ltd organised the handing over ceremony with its Managing Director Commodore M Shamsul Aziz in the chair, while Ambassador of the Netherlands Anne Van Leeuwen, Senior Secretary to the Public Security Division Md Akhtar Hossain, Commanding Officer of the Khulna Naval Area Rear Admiral M Anwar Hossain and Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Ashraful Haque Chowdhury were present as special guests.

Later the minister visited all the sea going boats and other equipment and observed its activities.

Replying to a question he said that Bangladesh will never face the situation like in Sri Lanka.

"The BNP is dreaming of coming to power and taking the country backwards, but people are not with them, people have confidence in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," Kamal added.

He said, "People know that there is no alternative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as she has implemented all what she promised to the people."