Get united against barbarism: PM

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina has called upon the country's all patriotic citizens to get united against the barbarism and cruelties being unleashed by the BNP-Jamaat clique in a bid to push the country backward, report agencies.

"It's our goal and also the dream of the people that Bangladesh will continue to move forward and become a developed and prosperous country. 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 Sunday.

The PM 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 said, "They (BNP-Jamaat) are burning innocent people, including children, to death and causing huge damage to public property."

The PM handed over the National Standard to Coast Guard (CG) in recognition of its long experience, professional skills and notable successes in various operational activities.

State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan and CG Director General Rear Admiral M Makbul Hossain were present.

Hasina expressed the hope that such recognition would further motivate the CG members as well as make more dynamic the operational and welfare activities of the force.

Mentioning the motto of the CG as 'Guardian at Sea', the PM said it is her firm belief that the CG members will discharge their duties bestowed upon them bearing this motto and 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.

Mentioning that her government has undertaken all the necessary steps to turn CG 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.

In line with this, Hasina said that high speed boats have already been procured for this force alongside setting up newer stations, increasing the number of outposts and enhancing manpower.

Hasina said analysing the trend of economic development in various countries it was found that the country could move its economy ahead by utilising the sea resources.

Speaking on resolution of maritime disputes with Myanmar and India, she said, "Plentiful resources lay under these waters. It is also crucial for international trade. We will have to explore, accumulate and preserve these resources ourselves."

"A strong security system is needed to protect national interest and aquatic resources of riverine Bangladesh. The CG has an important role to play here," she added.