A total of 40 personnel today received medals this year for their valuable contribution to Bangladesh Coast Guard.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan was present at a programme marking the 24th Coast Guard Day at the Bangladesh Coast Guard headquarters in Dhaka's Agargaon.

The home minister adorned the officials with medals in different categories which include 'Bangladesh Coast Guard (service) Medal' and 'President Coast Guard (service) Medal'.

Public Security Division Secretary of Home Ministry Mostafa Kamal Uddin, Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard M Ashraful Haq and ambassadors of different countries were present, among others.

Speaking as the chief guest, Asaduzzaman Khan said despite various constraints of the force, the members of Bangladesh Coast Guard are playing a commendable role in saving lives and property of the people living in the coastal areas.

The responsibilities of the force are to check smuggling and trafficking of illegal arms, drugs and narcotics through sea, among others.

In 2018, the force claimed to have seized goods worth over Tk 1,545 crore.