Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that helicopter service will be added to the Bangladesh Coast Guard fleet as part of a modernization initiative. The government also plans to recruit 10,000 new personnel to strengthen the force. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning during the 31st founding anniversary ceremony of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.

The minister stated that the current government is firmly committed to the overall development of the Coast Guard and has undertaken several initiatives for its modernization. He praised the force for earning public trust through its roles in combating drug smuggling, protecting fisheries, eliminating piracy, and safeguarding the environment.

He further highlighted the Coast Guard’s vital role in rescue operations during natural disasters in coastal areas and maintaining security and stability in regions such as the Sundarbans.