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Published : 05 Jul 2026, 05:05 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that it is important to design a security strategy so that the people do not feel isolated from the head of government.
He made the remark at the 51st founding anniversary of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) at the force’s headquarters in the Dhaka Cantonment on Saturday.
Speaking about the security protocols for the head of a democratic government, Tarique said: “I had previously shared one of my perceptions at the SSF founding anniversary event, since you are also engaged in the security of the state and the head of government, I think the same applies to you too.
“That is, as the head of a democratic government, you often have to participate in public meetings and various state programmes in the capital, Dhaka, and remote areas of the country outside Dhaka. As a result, you also have to fulfil your responsibilities at those events. Ensuring security during such large gatherings of people is certainly a bit complicated.”
The prime minister said, “During these programmes, you have to formulate a security strategy by maintaining a balance between the security of the head of government on the one hand and ensuring the comfort of citizens on the other.
“I appeal to you that it is important to design the security strategy in such a way that the people do not feel isolated from the head of government. As the head of a democratic government, I want to maintain their trust and rely on the faith and love of the people. I appeal to you to pay special attention so that the security strategy does not push the head of government away from the people.”
Referring to the assassination of former president Ziaur Rahman, his eldest son said: “On this day of the founding anniversary of the PGR, I am reminded of the most sad and heartbreaking event of my life - the martyrdom of my father, president Ziaur Rahman - the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence.
“On May 30, 1981, during the martyrdom of president Ziaur Rahman at the Chittagong Circuit House, some members of the PGR who were on duty were also martyred. On this special day today, I remember with deep respect all those martyrs of the PGR. I ask Allah for his mercy for them.
He said, “Their brutal deaths and the sacrifices of their lives while performing their duties are the ultimate example of unwavering loyalty, duty and loss for the security of the head of state and government and will certainly stand as an example for the members of the PGR.”
Tarique said, “On this day in 1975, a new regiment named ‘President’s Bodyguard Unit’ was first formed to provide security to his excellency the president and important persons of the state. Later, the then Army chief major general Ziaur Rahman renamed the ‘President’s Bodyguard Unit’ as the ‘President Guard Regiment’ on Sept 19, 1975. This new name has had a positive impact on making the regiment’s activities more confident and dynamic.
“Major General Ziaur Rahman is an unforgettable and inspiring name in the history of the establishment of the President Guard Regiment.”
After the introduction of the parliamentary system of government in 1991, the responsibility of providing security to the president as well as the head of government has gone to this regiment.
