Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urged newly recruited members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to uphold the force’s image by demonstrating discipline, professionalism and loyalty to its core values.
Speaking at the concluding parade and oath-taking ceremony of the BGB’s 104th recruit batch on Wednesday, the adviser said integrity, intelligence, reliability, loyalty and enthusiasm were essential qualities for building a disciplined and professional force.
Addressing the ceremony at the Bir Uttam Mujibur Rahman Parade Ground of the Border Guard Training Centre and College in Satkania, Chattogram, he said the recruits were expected to carry forward the long-standing traditions of the border force by reflecting those values in their service.
The adviser described the BGB as a 230-year-old institution that has evolved into a well-organised, disciplined and professional force dedicated to protecting the country’s sovereignty.
As the “watchful guard of the border”, the BGB plays a key role in safeguarding Bangladesh’s 4,427-kilometre frontier, he said, while also contributing to internal security, disaster response and support for civil administration.
He said the force had earned public trust through its role in preventing smuggling, drug trafficking and human trafficking, suppressing cross-border crime and assisting law-enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order.
Addressing the new recruits directly, the adviser said discipline was central to a soldier’s life and emphasised the importance of carrying out duties with dedication and responsibility.
He called on the recruits to remain vigilant in protecting the country’s sovereignty by adhering to the BGB’s four guiding principles — morale, brotherhood, discipline and efficiency.
Referring to the upcoming general elections, the adviser said around 817,000 members of the security forces would be deployed nationwide to ensure a peaceful and credible polling process. He added that more than 37,000 BGB personnel would be stationed across 467 upazilas.
The adviser praised the standard of the parade and congratulated the recruits on completing their training. He said the Border Guard Training Centre and College had been training BGB personnel for more than four decades and had successfully prepared 72 batches since independence.
A total of 3,023 recruits — including 2,950 men and 73 women — completed approximately four months of basic training as part of the 104th batch.
Several recruits were recognised for outstanding performance. Al Imran secured first place overall, while Shapikul Islam and Lubna Khatun were awarded for physical excellence. Shafiqur Rahman Tamim and Nahida Akhter received recognition as the best firers.
Senior officials, including the Home Ministry’s senior secretary, the BGB director general and senior training officers, were present at the ceremony.
The event concluded with a ceremonial salute by the newly trained soldiers, followed by a drill display and band performance by BGB personnel.
