Dhaka: The President's Guard Regiment (PGR) has emerged as an independent regiment as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina handed over the 'formation sign' to the elite force.

The Prime Minister handed over the 'formation sign' to the PGR's Commandant Brigadier General Maqsudur Rahman at a simple ceremony at the PM's official Ganobhaban residence on Thursday, PM's Assistant Press Secretary (APS) Asif Kabir told BSS on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had established the PGR on July 5 in 1975.

"But there was no 'formation sign' of the force to date," she said. "Now I feel proud of handing over the 'formation sign' to the PGR and believe that it would inspire the force and make it more committed and sincere," she said.

The Prime Minister said the 'formation sign' would represent the PGR an independent regiment. "I hope that that through this, the PGR would uphold its dignity," she said.

Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Haque and Director General of Special Security Force (SSF) Major General Sheikh Mohammad Aman Hasan were present on the occasion, among others.

Ends/AMA/08/06/13