DHAKA, Feb 15, 2022 (BSS) - Aiming to strengthening Bangladesh
Coast Guard, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today said that
modern sensor-system will be introduced in border areas of the country
if needed to prevent drug-entry into the country.

  "Bangladesh Coast Guard is being strengthened with the installation
of sensor system at the border. We will prevent drug related issue by
maintaining zero tolerance policy," he said.

  He came up with the remarks while talking to journalists after
attending the ceremony of 27th founding anniversary of Bangladesh
Coast Guard at Coast Guard Headquarters in capital's Sher-e-Bangla
Nagar area.

  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasin addressed the ceremony there joining the
function virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban as the chief
guest.

  Responding to a question from reporters, the home minister said
there was a manpower crisis in the Coast Guard as according the Coast
Guard rule, everyone here will be recruited from the Navy.

  "We are amending the law very soon to resolve this little crisis. So
that by recruiting its own manpower, the Coast Guard could make its
own force like Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB)," he added.

  He said a Coast Guard training academy has been set up at Patuakhali
in the country to train the force's personnel.

   He informed the journalists that a bill of Coast Guard was brought
by Awami League led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Jatiya
Sangsad in 1994 as the then opposition party.

  Under the direction of the Prime Minister, the Coast Guard has
become a self-sufficient force, he said, adding that the maintenance
and ensuring security of 19 coastal districts and 47,000 kilometers
(km) coastal areas are a difficult task.

  He said talks were held at the ministerial, DG, BGB and Coast Guard
levels with neighboring countries regarding drug entry issue.

   "We are strengthening the Coast Guard. Drug prevention is one of
the many purposes of it," he continued.

  At the ceremony, on behalf of the premier, Asaduzzaman handed over
medals to four Coast Guard personnel for their bravery and special
achievements.