Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today urged the Special Security Force (SSF) to pay special attention so that the security perimeter does not push him away from the people, saying public trust and affection is his greatest source of strength. “As the head of government, my greatest reliance is on the trust and love of the people. Therefore, I urge you to pay special attention so that the security perimeter does not push the head of government away from the people,” he said, calling on the SSF to remain mindful of this as a modern and advanced force.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a programme organized at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in the city’s Tejgaon area, marking the 40th founding anniversary of the SSF.
Addressing SSF members, Tarique Rahman said, “You must give the highest priority to the security of important persons. However, while performing your duties, you must also remain particularly careful so that the public does not become victims of your misbehavior.”
The Prime Minister said there are huge differences between the time when the SSF was established and the present days. Multidimensional security challenges have emerged due to changes in socio-economic and political conditions, geopolitical realities and the unrestricted development of information technology, he added.
To face these challenges, the premier said, it is essential to remain constantly prepared through modern and timely training. As a specialized force, there is no scope for the SSF to lag behind in courage, efficiency, strategy, and state-of-the-art technology, he added.
Tarique Rahman said that although this special security force was established 40 years ago out of necessity, it began its journey under the name “SSF” on September 27, 1991, following a change in name.
“On the occasion of the anniversary, I extend my greetings to all those who have been associated with this special security force since its inception, as well as those who are currently performing their duties,” he said.
Referring to the outstanding role of the SSF, Tarique Rahman said the force performed its responsibilities with utmost sincerity while former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia served as head of government during different terms and, most recently, while she was undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital during the final days of her life.
He said that after the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the SSF also played an important role as the chief coordinator in organizing one of the largest funeral prayers in the history of not only Bangladesh but the world, he added.
The Prime Minister said that as head of government, he directly observes SSF activities every day and every moment. “My familiarity with the activities of the SSF is not new. I am familiar with SSF activities since my young age, when late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia served as head of government,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that after the BNP received the people’s mandate to run the state in the national election held on February 12, the current democratic government has been carrying out the responsibility of running the state since February 17.
Since then, the SSF took overall security measures for the head of government in accordance with state regulations, he added.
The Prime Minister said he has reduced the size of his motorcade in order to ease public suffering and maintain the normal movement of vehicles on roads.
“As a result, under the current circumstances, instead of increasing the number of members, the SSF has had to place greater emphasis on efficiency and security strategies. You are carrying out your responsibilities well,” he added.
He said that as the head of a democratic government, he frequently participates in public rallies and various state programmes both in Dhaka and in remote areas across the country.
Ensuring security amid large public gatherings at such events is somewhat complex, the premier added.
“In such situations, the SSF has to formulate its security strategy by maintaining a balance between ensuring the security of the head of government and maintaining the comfort of citizens’ daily lives,” he said, adding, the professional competence of the SSF becomes evident through its smooth and coordinated performance of duties in such situations.
Tarique Rahman said, “Just a short while ago, I inaugurated the newly constructed state-of-the-art firing range of the SSF and also witnessed the inaugural exercise. This newly built firing range will undoubtedly play a special role in enhancing professional efficiency.”
He expressed hope that SSF members would ensure the best use of the firing range in developing security strategies and improving their professional skills.hoto : PMO
Highlighting the importance of properly following the directives contained in the ‘Red Book’, the Prime Minister said that after 2002, the SSF’s ‘Red Book’ has been revised and made more modern and time-appropriate.
He said that along with providing guidelines for SSF’s operational and working procedures, the ‘Red Book’ also ensures legal protection for the force.
Tarique Rahman said that for a specialized force like the SSF, along with acquiring modern security strategies and technological skills, it is essential for every member to strictly adhere to courage, honesty, loyalty, the highest professionalism, and above all, the ‘chain of command’.
He said that ensuring the security of the head of state, the head of government, and other state-declared very important persons at home and abroad is also linked to the country’s national security.
Therefore, the premier said, the SSF has to ensure security strategies through coordination with other security and law-enforcement agencies, intelligence organizations, and various ministries.
“The greater the coordination, the more effectively security arrangements can be carried out,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that the SSF is formed by selecting skilled officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Ansar forces. Afterward, he said, members receive advanced training both at home and abroad on the security of important persons.
Tarique Rahman assured that the government would continue taking all necessary measures to further enhance the efficiency of the SSF in line with the modern world.
Addressing SSF members, the Prime Minister said, “I conclude my speech with the hope that you will continue to discharge your duties with the utmost professionalism, while respecting democratic norms and values and inspired by the ideals of patriotism.” Cabinet members, the chiefs of three services, the SSF chief, and senior government officers were present at the programme.
