Govt won't use DGFI for political purpose: PM
Govt won't use DGFI for political purpose: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday reiterated her firm stance of not using the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) for political purposes.
She asked the DGFI men to protect the constitution of the country in the face of all kinds of threats.
"You have to keep yourselves always ready to protect the sovereignty of the country," she said while speaking at the PM's Darbar at DGFI headquarters in Dhaka.
Talking about the use of the force for political purposes, she said a vested quarter which had seized power illegally used this force rampantly to cling to power.
As a result, the reputation of the DGFI got tarnished, she said, adding: "People have lost their confidence and trust in the organisation."
After going to power in 1996, the Awami League-government had decided not to use the DGFI politically and took steps to have its lost glory restored.
"But after 2001, unfortunately the BNP-Jamaat government again used the organisation politically," she told her audience.
At the Darbar, Hasina appreciated the role of the force in containing the activities of various militant organisations through providing intelligence reports.
"We want to maintain good relations with all our neighbours. Like other forces, the DGFI should be well-equipped to launch counter attacks if we are attacked by others," she added.
Amid applause by the audience, the premier announced a 30 percent special allowance for DGFI members. The allowance will come into effect from the current month.
She listed various measures taken by her government for the welfare of the civil and military members of the force.
Hasina said her government had promoted 158 civilian officers and employees, created posts of 634 in the organogram and introduced digital technology in office management.
Bangladesh is becoming self-reliant in various sectors and the country would certainly achieve prosperity if the democratic system could be maintained, she said.
Later, Hasina unveiled the new monogram of the DGFI.
Earlier on her arrival, the premier was received by the PM's Security Affairs Adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and Director General of DGFI Major General Akbar Hossain.