President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has directed the Bangladesh Coast Guard to take more effective measures to maintain law and order and security in the country’s coastal areas and prevent drug trafficking, smuggling and human trafficking.

He gave the directive when Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Moinul Hasan paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban on Sunday morning.

According to the President’s Press Wing, during the meeting, the President stressed the need to strengthen the Coast Guard’s efforts to ensure security in coastal areas, prevent drug trafficking and smuggling, combat human trafficking, conserve fisheries and natural resources, and protect the environment.

He also urged the Coast Guard to remain vigilant against illegal fishing in the country’s maritime territory.

The President said the government was committed to developing the Coast Guard into a modern and capable force to safeguard the country’s vast coastal areas and maritime territory. He said various initiatives were being taken to modernize the force and ensure proper training for its personnel.

During the meeting, the Coast Guard director general briefed the President on the force’s overall activities and progress in procuring new patrol boats and modern rescue helicopters to enhance its operational capabilities. He also informed the President about the progress in establishing an aviation wing for the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard director general sought the President’s cooperation in carrying out the force’s responsibilities. The President assured him of continued support for the development of the Coast Guard.

The President’s secretaries and senior officials of Bangabhaban were present during the meeting.