Coast guard to recruit own manpower soon
The Bangladesh Coast Guard will soon start recruiting its own manpower, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said yesterday.
Since its inception 23 years ago, on February 14 in 1995, the paramilitary force has been in operation with officers and sailors on deputation from the Bangladesh Navy.
The home minister made the announcement regarding the recruitment plan of the government while speaking as the chief guest at the 23rd founding anniversary of the coast guard at its headquarters in the capital's Agargaon.
A proposal for the recruitment of coast guard's own manpower is being processed, said Coast Guard Assistant Director (intelligence) Lt Commander Abdullah Al Maruf.
Once the recruitment proposal is approved, all the 142 officers and 2,397 sailors, currently working on deputation from the navy, will be replaced with new recruits in phases. Some navy officers, however, will be permanently posted in the coast guard, said coast guard officials.
The minister during the programme said smuggling of narcotics and other contraband goods through the waterways has almost come down to zero, thanks to the efficiency of the coast guard. The force's performance has been impressive in protecting the mother hilsha.
Earlier, the programme started with a colourful parade performed by the members of the coast guard. A total of 40 officers received badges in recognition of their professional excellence and courageous roles they played during anti-crime operations last year.
The awards include Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal, Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal (Service), President's Coast Guard Medal and President's Coast Guard Medal (Service).
Mostafa Kamal Uddin, secretary to the security service division of the home ministry spoke on the occasion as a special guest and the coast guard Director General Rear Admiral Aurangzeb Chowdhury gave the welcome speech.
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