PM asks PGR to balance his security with public access

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged the President Guard Regiment (PGR) to strike a balance between ensuring his security and maintaining public access, saying security arrangements should never make people feel detached from the head of government, reports UNB.

"As the head of a democratic government, I want to continue placing my trust in and relying on the confidence and love of people. Security arrangements should not distance the head of government from the people," he said while addressing the 51st founding anniversary of PGR at Dhaka Cantonment.

The Prime Minister said he earlier shared the same message at the anniversary programme of the Special Security Force (SSF), adding that it was equally relevant for PGR personnel, who are also responsible for the security of the President and the Prime Minister.

As head of the government, Tarique said he frequently attends public rallies and official programmes both in Dhaka and across the country's remote areas, where PGR members are required to perform security duties.

He said providing security at such events with large public gatherings is always challenging and complex.

"While carrying out these assignments, you have to strike a balance between maintaining the security of the Head of Government and ensuring the comfort and convenience of citizens in their daily lives. Your security strategies must therefore be designed with this balance in mind," Tarique said.

The Prime Minister added, "My appeal to you is that security arrangements should be planned in such a way that people do not feel disconnected from their Prime Minister."

Tarique also stressed that modern security forces must be ready to deal with emerging threats, including cyber warfare, electronic warfare, drone attacks and information warfare.

He said these evolving challenges require not only the PGR but all security forces to receive modern training and strengthen their technological capabilities.

"As a specialised force, the PGR cannot afford to fall behind in courage, skills, tactics or the use of modern technology," the Prime Minister said.

He said the government has already taken steps to further modernise specialised forces such as the PGR and the Special Security Force (SSF).

The Prime Minister urged every member of the PGR to uphold the highest standards of courage, integrity, loyalty, professionalism and discipline while strictly following the chain of command.

Recalling the sacrifice of PGR personnel who were killed while protecting former and his father President Ziaur Rahman during the assassination at Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981, Tarique paid tribute to them and prayed for the eternal peace of their souls.

He said their supreme sacrifice reflected the force's unwavering loyalty, dedication and commitment to protecting the country's highest office and would continue to inspire future generations of PGR personnel.

The Prime Minister also congratulated the PGR on being nominated for the National Standard award this year in recognition of its discipline and professionalism.

He said the Bangladesh Armed Forces symbolise the courage and pride of the nation and expressed confidence that the country's sovereignty would remain secure as long as the armed forces uphold patriotism, professionalism and discipline.

The Prime Minister wished all members of the PGR success and continued prosperity on the regiment's 51st founding anniversary.

He also recalled that the regiment was originally established on July 5, 1975 as the "President's Bodyguard Unit" to provide security for the President and other important state dignitaries.

Tarique said Chief of Army Staff Major General Ziaur Rahman renamed it the President Guard Regiment (PGR) on September 19, 1975, a move that further strengthened the force's identity and operational capability.

Describing Ziaur Rahman as an unforgettable and inspiring figure in the history of the PGR, Tarique said he had been familiar with the regiment's activities since childhood, as both his parents had served as the country's President and Prime Minister at different times.

He said the regiment carries out highly demanding responsibilities by protecting the country's constitutional office-holders while also performing important state ceremonial duties.

The Prime Minister said members of the regiment are carefully selected from the Bangladesh Army and receive specialised training before joining the force. He expressed confidence that they would continue to carry out their duties with professionalism, loyalty and discipline.

"The efficiency and dedication of the PGR will be reflected in your work," he said.

Earlier, Tarique cut a cake to mark the anniversary. He also planted a sapling at the PGR headquarters and signed the visitors' book.

Prime Minister's Defence Adviser, retired Brigadier General AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, the Acting Chief of Naval Staff, PGR Commandant Brigadier General Golam Ariful Alam and other senior military officers attended the programme.