Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said there is no existence of militancy in the country.
The former fascist government had used the term “militancy” as a political tool, he told reporters.
He was speaking at the Coast Guard’s 31st founding anniversary and Coast Guard Day 2026 at its Agargaon headquarters on Tuesday morning.
The minister said some extremist or radical groups exist in every country, but the government remains vigilant to keep them under control.
He added that if any allegation of misconduct arises against members of law enforcement agencies, the force’s own intelligence wing investigates, and action is taken under military or departmental law as part of a regular process.
A policy decision has been taken to raise Coast Guard manpower from the current 5,000 to 10,000 to ensure security in coastal and riverine areas, he said.
The force will also be strengthened with modern logistics, advanced training and necessary facilities, he further said.
On the withdrawal of army personnel deployed under “In Aid to Civil Power,” he said a gradual withdrawal is underway and the number of deployed troops will soon be reduced to a very limited level.
The minister announced that bulletproof high‑speed boats and helicopters will be added to the Coast Guard fleet to strengthen maritime and coastal security.
He said the Coast Guard has become a symbol of trust, and the government is taking all measures to build it into a modern, strong, and time‑befitting force.
He also said that criminals are increasingly using digital technology, so the Coast Guard must also be equipped with modern resources and technical skills. There are also plans of budget allocations and structural reforms, he added.
Founded in 1995 under the motto “Guardian at the Sea,” the Coast Guard has played a key role in curbing drug trafficking, human smuggling, piracy, and protecting the Sundarbans and fisheries.
The minister praised the force for 29 successful operations in the Sundarbans last year, which led to the arrest of 35 robbers and recovery of large quantities of illegal arms and timber.
He said three surveillance drones have recently been added to the fleet, while construction of a multirole response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels funded by JICA is progressing rapidly.
Plans also include purchasing bulletproof high‑speed boats through Khulna Shipyard, he said adding that helicopters and maritime surveillance systems. The force’s manpower will be expanded to 10,000.
At the ceremony, Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque gave the welcome speech, while Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Manjur Morshed Chowdhury spoke as special guest.
The minister handed out medals and service awards to 14 officers, sailors, and civilians for bravery and distinguished service. A documentary on Coast Guard activities was screened, and he planted a tree at the headquarters compound before signing the visitor’s book.
