BCG to get modern ships for research on ocean resources: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the government is taking steps to buy high quality modern ships to carry out research for the extraction of ocean resources.

“The government is going to add high quality modern ships, maritime surveillance system-incorporated hovercraft and high speed boats to the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) fleet to make the force more modern and stronger,” she said while addressing the 29th anniversary ceremony of Coast Guard at its Agargaon office in the capital on Sunday (March 10) morning.

At the same function, the premier also inaugurated Bangladesh Coast Guard Vsatnet Communication System and newly constructed six physical infrastructures at the BCG stations at Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, Mirsarai, Sandwip, Nidraskina and Shahpari Outpost.

"The coast guard will be made capable to face the 21st century's challenges with inclusion of modern technology based ships, helicopters and the force's communication system development," the premier said, adding, “The the coast guard had emerged as a force in 1994 in line with a bill brought in the Jatiya Sangsad by the then opposition party Awami League.”

“Now Bangladesh has secured its maritime border. The Awami League government has made this possible by maintaining friendly relations with Myanmar and India.”

“The inclusion of the V-Satnet Communication System that will connect the coast guard with the Bangabandhu Satellite-1 will enhance the force's communication and operational abilities.”

"We have already given approval to purchase two helicopters and formed an aviation wing for the coast guard to make it a three-dimensional force," the premier added.

She stressed securing the vast maritime borders saying nowadays 90 percent business are being done by the marine ways.
She said her government has also nodded to construct nine replacement ships for the force.