Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday called on the President Guard Regiment (PGR) to ensure that security measures do not become a barrier between the country’s leadership and the people, saying public trust and affection remain his greatest source of strength.
Addressing the 51st founding anniversary of the President Guard Regiment at Dhaka Cantonment, the prime minister said he wanted to continue relying on the confidence and goodwill of the people as the head of a democratic government.
“I want to maintain my trust and reliance on the confidence and affection of the people as the head of a democratic government. Therefore, I urge you to ensure that security arrangements do not push the head of government away from the people,” he said.
Referring to similar remarks he made at the recent anniversary programme of the Special Security Force (SSF), Tarique Rahman said the same principle should guide the PGR, which is also responsible for protecting the president and the prime minister.
The premier noted that his official responsibilities require him to attend public gatherings and state functions both in the capital and across the country, including remote areas, where ensuring security can often be challenging.
He said the PGR should adopt security plans that strike a balance between safeguarding the head of government and minimising inconvenience to the public during such events.
The prime minister also stressed that security arrangements should be designed in a way that people do not feel disconnected from their elected leadership.
