A total of 46 officials of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were awarded today for their contributions and act of valour in the line of duty in 2018.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan presented the awardees with medals at a programme at Bir Uttam Fazlur Rahman Khandaker Auditorium at the BGB Headquarter in Dhaka’s Pilkhana this morning, according to a BGB press release.

Of the awardees, nine were presented with Border Guard Bangladesh Medal, 15 with President’s Border Guard Medal, two with Border Guard Bangladesh Medal for Service, and 20 were awarded President’s Border Guard Bangladesh Medal for Service.

BGB Director General Major General Md Shafeenul Islam delivered the welcome speech at the programme.

“In recent years, massive development of BGB has been achieved through the earnest efforts by the government. The abilities and sincerity of the BGB officials have been enhanced significantly due to the development and facilities ensured through initiatives taken by the government,” the BGB DG said.

“Today, the confidence of the BGB members is more than any time in the past,” he also said, adding, “All BGB officials and their families will always remember with respect the government’s contribution for their development.”

Speaking as the chief guest at the programme, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan lauded the efforts of BGB in ensuring greater security to the country by containing the criminal activities on the borders.  

“The great responsibility of securing the nation’s borders, which is of utmost importance, has been bestowed upon BGB. Despite many obstacles and limitations, BGB’s success in ensuring security at the borders while containing smuggling, narcotics trade, and human trafficking is highly appreciable. Particularly, BGB has shown noteworthy success in curbing smuggling of narcotics including yaba, phensidyl, and others,” the minister said.

“You have also made outstanding contribution in maintaining law and order and in nation-building efforts. The hard work and sincerity of the BGB personnel for holding the 11th Jatiya Sangsad elections and the upazila polls has been commendable,” he also said.

“I firmly believe you would continue to deliver your best efforts and achieve greater success in the future,” Asaduzzaman Khan added.

Secretary to the Public Security Division of Home Ministry, top officials of the ministry, BGB officials of all ranks, and top civil service officials were present at the programme.