PM urges PGR to balance security with public access

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged the President Guard Regiment (PGR) to strike a balance between ensuring his security and maintaining public access, so that security arrangements do not create a barrier between the head of government and the people.

"I want to maintain my trust and reliance on the confidence and affection of the people as the head of a democratic government. Therefore, I urge you to ensure that security arrangements do not push the head of government away from the people," he said.

The prime minister made the remarks while addressing the 51st founding anniversary programme of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) at Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday, July 5.

Noting that he has to participate in various public rallies and state functions across the country, Tarique Rahman said security at such large gatherings is often complicated. Therefore, while performing duties, the PGR has to formulate a security strategy balancing the security of the head of government and the comfort of public life.

The prime minister urged the PGR to formulate security strategies in such a way that the people do not feel isolated from the head of government.

About modernising the security forces, Tarique Rahman said the government has undertaken plans to further modernise specialised forces, including the PGR and the SSF, alongside the armed forces.

Expressing confidence in the armed forces, the prime minister said, "I believe that if the armed forces are motivated by patriotism, follow strict discipline and maintain professionalism, then the country's sovereignty will never be threatened again."

"I hope that for the maximum success of a specialised force like the PGR, it is essential that each member strictly adhere to these principles — courage, honesty, loyalty, utmost professionalism, discipline, and above all, following the chain of command," he added.

Congratulating the force on its nomination for the National Standard Award this year in recognition of its discipline, Tarique Rahman termed it a matter of pride for the PGR.

He said, "Specially selected and trained members from the Bangladesh Army are regularly selected to serve in this regiment. Therefore, it is the statutory rule that the PGR members will fulfil the duties assigned to them with professionalism, loyalty and discipline."

Noting that the armed forces of a country are the symbol of courage and pride, the prime minister said, "The courageous role of the armed forces in the great Liberation War of 1971 has inextricably linked the army with the glorious history of Bangladesh."

Stating that as a specialised force, there is no scope for the PGR to lag behind in courage, skill, strategy and modern technology, he said, "Apart from conventional challenges, the current socio-economic and geopolitical situation and the unbridled development of information technology have posed multidimensional security challenges. Therefore, there is no chance of ignoring new areas such as cyber warfare, electronic warfare, drone warfare or information warfare."

Referring to the history of the regiment, Tarique Rahman said it was initially established on July 5, 1975, as the "President's Bodyguard Unit" to ensure the security of the President and other important state dignitaries. Later, on September 19, 1975, the then Army Chief Major General Ziaur Rahman renamed it the "President Guard Regiment," a move that gave the force greater confidence and dynamism.

On this day, the prime minister recalled the martyrdom of his father, President Ziaur Rahman. "Several members of the PGR were also martyred while on duty during the martyrdom of President Ziaur Rahman at the Chittagong Circuit House on May 30, 1981. On this special day, I remember all the martyrs of PGR with deep respect. I seek forgiveness for them from the almighty Allah," he said.

The prime minister said the ultimate example of unwavering loyalty, duty and sacrifice of life for the security of the head of state will certainly remain as an example for the members of the PGR.

Finally, Tarique Rahman wished all members of the PGR good health, well-being and continued success on the glorious founding anniversary of the regiment.

The PGR was formed on this day in 1975 to ensure the security and protocol of the President in independent Bangladesh. The day is celebrated with an annual darbar and a well-decorated parade at the PGR headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment.

The PGR is a specialised unit of the Bangladesh Army that directly handles the day-to-day security of the President and other important state dignitaries.