Coast Guard can help govt tap into potential of blue economy: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Bangladesh Coast Guard will be strengthened so that they can play a role in helping the government tap the potential of the blue economy.
"Keeping in mind the blue economy and Vision 2030 and 2041 for the coast guard, the government has planned to increase its manpower from 4,781 to 15,000 gradually," she said.
Blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.
The prime minister was addressing the commissioning programme of two offshore and five in-shore patrol vessels, two fast patrol boats and BCG Base Bhola. The programme was held at Coast Guard Berth Patenga. The premier joined the event virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban.
Hasina asked the coast guard members to discharge their responsibilities with patriotism, honesty and faith.
"You will pay a special attention [to your duties] so that the good image of the coast guard remains unharmed always," she said. The prime minister also assured the force of all-out cooperation from the government.
She said Narayanganj dockyard and Khulna shipyard, now operating under Bangladesh Navy, are building two inshore patrol vessels, one floating crane, two tugboats and 16 boats. "Soon, these will be inducted into the coast guard fleet."
The PM mentioned that a dockyard is being prepared in Gajaria for the coast guard to increase its capacity of repairing and maintenance.
"Besides, initiatives have been taken to procure hovercraft, drone, and all-weather 3,500 metric-tonne vessel . We want to build the coast guard as a modern and time befitting force," she said.
Terming Bangladesh a land of natural calamities, she said people of the country have to live facing all these adversities. "We have to live with these [natural adversities], we have to put our attention towards saving the lives of people facing all the odds... we've to acquire that capability."
Hasina said the country has a vast ocean boarder, which can be utilised for the economic development. "The Bay of Bengal is very important; trade and commerce of many countries run through this area."
The premier mentioned that the government wants to ensure security in coastal districts and improve their economic condition.
"Keeping that in mind, we want to use our sea resources for our economic development. For that, we've declared the 'Blue Economy', we have taken a plan as to how we could use our ocean resources for the country," she said.
Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral M Ashraful Haque also spoke at the programme from Coast Guard Berth, Patenga.
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