Making a call upon patriotic people of the country Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said all need to unite against barbarism and anarchy unleashed by the BNP-Jamaat alliance in its bid to push the country backward.
"It's our goal and also the dream of the country's people that Bangladesh will continue to move forward and become a developed and prosperous one. But, when the government is working tirelessly to materialise this desired dream, the BNP-Jamaat alliance is hatching conspiracies to push the country backward," she said.
The Prime Minister was addressing the 20th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Coast Guard and conferring National Standard upon the Force held at its headquarters in the city.
Hasina further said, "They (BNP-Jamaat) are burning innocent people, including children, to death brutally and causing huge damage to public property."
The Prime Minister handed over the National Standard to Coast Guard in recognition of its long experience, professional skills and notable successes in various operational activities.
State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan and Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral M Makbul Hossain were present on the occasion.
Hasina expressed the hope that such recognition would further motivate the Coast Guard members to be more dynamic the operational and carry out welfare activities.
Terming the Coast Guard as 'Guardian at Sea', the Prime Minister said it is her firm belief that the Coast Guard members will discharge their duties with deep affection for the country.
"It's my firm belief that you're ready to make any kind of sacrifice for ensuring the highest security of the country's sea and coastal areas as the country's soil was stained with the blood of millions of martyrs," she added.
UNB adds: Mentioning that her government has undertake all the necessary steps to turn Bangladesh Coast Guard into a modern, skilled and promising force, the Prime Minister said that the Coast Guard Development Vision-2030 has already got administrative approval and her government is pledge-bound to implement it.
On her arrival at the Coast Guard headquarters, a smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Coast Guard gave a Guard of Honour to the Prime Minister.
Earlier, the Prime Minister handed over Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal, President Coast Guard Medal, Bangladesh Coast Guard (Services) Medal, and President Coast Guard (Services) Medal as gallantry medals to some 22 officers and 13 sailors of the Coast Guard for their bravery, and making important contributions to its developmental and operational activities.