Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that while ensuring the security of the state and the head of government is essential, security arrangements must be designed in a way that prevents people from feeling disconnected from their Prime Minister.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the 51st anniversary of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) at Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday, he said that in a democratic system, the head of government must regularly attend public rallies and various state functions. Therefore, security measures should strike a balance between protecting the Prime Minister and allowing citizens to participate in public events and move about normally. He added that he wishes to discharge his responsibilities with confidence in the trust and affection of the people.
The Prime Minister paid deep tribute to the late President Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated on May 30, 1981, as well as to the PGR personnel who lost their lives while on duty at that time. He said their sacrifice would remain a shining example of dedication, loyalty, and selflessness in protecting the head of state.
He noted that the force was established in 1975 as the ‘President's Bodyguard Unit’ and was later renamed the ‘President Guard Regiment (PGR)’ by the then Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ziaur Rahman, a move that had a positive impact on the force's development and operations.
Commending the PGR for its professionalism, discipline, and strong sense of duty, the Prime Minister said the government would further strengthen the force through modern technology and advanced training to address emerging security challenges, including cyber warfare, drone technology, electronic warfare, and information warfare. He added that the government has already taken the necessary steps to achieve this objective.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the Prime Minister cut the anniversary cake, planted a sapling, and signed the visitors' book.
Also present at the event were the Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser, retired Brigadier General AKM Shamsul Islam; Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman; Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan; the Acting Chief of Naval Staff; Commander of the President Guard Regiment (PGR), Brigadier General Golam Arikul Alam; and other senior military officials.
