President Abdul Hamid yesterday emphasised the need for strengthening the President Guard Regiment (PGR), and said efforts to turn it into a well-integrated one will continue.

He said this while delivering his speech at the Darbar of PGR at Shaheed Capt Hafiz Hall in PGR Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment, marking its 44th founding anniversary.

“The responsibility entrusted to you is important and glorious... the purview of your responsibilities is expanding day by day,” he said, expressing hopes that the PGR will continue to discharge its duties sincerely.

President Hamid said the organisational structure of PGR has been expanded. “Efforts to further consolidate this regiment will continue in future,” he said.

“Properly discharge your duties by having complete faith in the chain of command,” the president told PGR members. “[I hope] everyone will play a strong role in upholding the glory achieved by this regiment.”

Hamid said he was impressed to see the integrity, devotion and, above all, the sense of discipline and professional efficiency of PGR members while discharging duties.

He praised PGR members for working day and night, even under adverse circumstances.

“I’m fascinated by your patriotism, sense of duty, superior discipline and devotion while discharging [your] sacred and important duties,” he said.

President Hamid noted that the PGR is another special part of Bangladesh Army, which has a high reputation in the national and global arena.

He said the army has earned the appreciation of people and a worldwide reputation for standing by the distressed during any kind of natural calamity.

Mentioning the involvement of the forces in development works, the President said: “Bangladesh Army has a special contribution towards developing the communication system. The construction of Padma Bridge is going on under the supervision of the army and it (the bridge) is visible now.”

Hamid said many PGR members made sacrifices in the past while performing duties.

He also recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who established the PGR on July 5, 1975.

The Army Chief was present on the occasion. General Aziz Ahmed and PGR Commander Brig Gen Md Jahangir Alam greeted the President at the PGR headquarters.

President Hamid visited the quarter guard and signed the visitors’ book. He also planted a sapling.

Secretaries concerned to the President were also present at the function.