Chittagong: Border Guard Bangladesh’s (BGB) director general, Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, addressed newly recruited soldiers of the paramilitary force today, urging them to protect every inch of the motherland, even at the cost of their lives.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Major General Siddiqui expressed confidence in the new recruits during the closing parade of BGB’s 103rd recruit batch. He emphasized that the soldiers should be willing to sacrifice their lives to preserve the country’s integrity and ensure no part of Bangladesh’s territory is lost. At the event held at Bir Uttam Mujibur Rahman Parade Ground in Satkania, Chittagong, Siddiqui urged the recruits to remain steadfast and not show leniency towards adversaries under any circumstances.
The BGB chief commended the personnel for their relentless efforts in securing the country’s borders and maintaining domestic tranquility. He highlighted the BGB’s role as the “watchful guardian of the border,” safeguarding Bangladesh’s 4,427-kilometer frontier against threats such as drug smuggling, weapons trafficking, and cross-border crimes. Siddiqui also recognized the force’s capability in supporting the civil administration in upholding internal law and order.
Major General Siddiqui implored the new soldiers to fulfill their duties effectively, guided by the BGB’s core values of morale, brotherhood, discipline, and efficiency. He stressed that discipline is paramount to a soldier’s life, and true soldiers must adhere to orders and responsibilities without hesitation. He further outlined honesty, intelligence, reliability, loyalty, and enthusiasm as essential attributes for maintaining discipline and professional competence within the force.
Tributes were paid to the 817 martyrs of the former East Pakistan Rifles who fell during the Great Liberation War of 1971, as well as to students and civilians who perished in the July Mass Uprising. The ceremony marked the conclusion of a 24-week basic training program that commenced on January 26, 2025. A total of 694 recruits, comprising 658 men and 36 women, took their oaths and officially joined the paramilitary ranks.
The event was attended by Brigadier General Gazi Nahiduzzaman, Commandant of BGTC and C, alongside senior BGB officers, army officials from Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar, and senior civil administration and police officers.