People's love is strength, security measures shouldn't create distance: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, 'As the head of the government, I rely most on the trust and love of the people. Therefore, I urge the SSF, as a developed force, to pay special attention to ensuring that the security cordon does not push the head of the government away from the people.'

The Prime Minister said these things at a program organized at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon to mark the 40th founding anniversary of the Special Security Force (SSF) on Thursday.

Addressing the SSF members, the Prime Minister said, 'You must give the highest priority to the security of important people. However, you must also be especially careful so that the people do not fall victim to mistreatment while performing their duties.'

Noting that there are many differences between the SSF at the time of its establishment and the current SSF, the Prime Minister said, 'Currently, multi-dimensional security challenges have arisen due to the socio-economic, political situation, geopolitical situation and the unbridled development of information technology. It is important to keep ourselves ready at all times through modern and up-to-date training to face these challenges. As a specialized force, the SSF has no chance of lagging behind in courage, skill, strategy and latest technology.’

Congratulating the SSF, he said, ‘This special security force was established 40 years ago today due to the need of the time.

However, on September 27, 1991, this special force changed its name and started its journey under the name “SSF”. I congratulate all those who were and are associated with this special security force from its inception to this day on its founding anniversary.’

Regarding the extraordinary role of the SSF, Tarique Rahman said, ‘The SSF has performed its duties with great sincerity during the various terms of the former Prime Minister, the late Begum Khaleda Zia, as the head of the government and during the last days of her life when she was undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. After the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the SSF played an important role as the main coordinator in organizing one of the largest Namaz-e-Janazas in the history of not only Bangladesh but also the world.’

The Prime Minister further said, ‘As the head of the government, I am directly witnessing the activities of the SSF every day, every moment. My acquaintance with this activity is not new. I have been familiar with the activities of the SSF since the late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia served as the head of the government, that is, since my youth.’

In the national elections held on February 12, the BNP received the people’s verdict to run the state. After that, the current democratic government has been running the state since February 17. As per the state rules, the SSF has taken overall security measures for the head of the government.

Regarding the responsibilities of the SSF, the Prime Minister said, ‘I have limited the size of my convoy to reduce the suffering of the people and keep the movement of vehicles on the roads normal. In the existing situation, the SSF has to focus more on efficiency and security strategies instead of increasing the number of members. You are performing your duties beautifully. As the head of a democratic government, one often has to participate in public meetings and various state programs in the capital Dhaka and remote areas of the country outside Dhaka. Ensuring security in such events is somewhat complicated. In such situations, the SSF has to formulate a security strategy by maintaining a balance between maintaining the security of the head of government on the one hand and ensuring the comfort of citizens on the other. In such situations, the efficiency of the SSF is also reflected by performing its duties in a fair and coordinated manner.’

Regarding the newly built state-of-the-art firing range of the SSF, the Prime Minister said, ‘This newly built firing range will undoubtedly play a special role in enhancing professional efficiency. I hope that you will ensure the best use of this firing range to formulate security strategies and enhance professional efficiency.’

Noting that it is important to follow the instructions of the Red Book properly, he said, ‘After 2002, the Red Book of the SSF has been revised and made more modern and timely. It has provided the SSF with the principles of its work and also ensured legal protection. For a specialized force like the SSF, in addition to acquiring modern security techniques and technical expertise, it is essential for each member to have courage, honesty, loyalty, utmost professionalism and, above all, strict adherence to the chain of command.

The Prime Minister further said, "Ensuring the security of the Head of State, Head of Government and other important persons declared by the state at home and abroad is also related to the issue of national security of the country. To strengthen the security system, the SSF has to ensure security strategies through coordination with other security and law enforcement forces, intelligence agencies and various ministries of the country.

The more coordination can be done, the more smoothly the security system can be completed. The SSF is formed by selecting skilled officers from the country's army, navy, air force, police and Ansar forces. After that, you have to undergo high-quality training on the security of important persons at home and abroad."