Work with professionalism, being above political ideologies, CA asks SSF

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called upon the Special Security Force (SSF) to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transcending political ideologies, in their duty of protecting state-declared VIPs.

Addressing SSF personnel at a ceremony held at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) to mark the SSF’s 39th founding anniversary, Professor Yunus stated, “…in providing security to state-declared VIPs, the issues of characteristic strength, improved discipline, honesty, responsibility and human values must be seriously considered along with professional skills, and you should work with professionalism above all political ideologies.”

The event was attended by high-ranking officials including Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, chiefs of the three services, the Chief Adviser’s principal secretary, principal coordinator on SDG affairs, the Chief Adviser’s press secretary, inspector general of police, and other senior government officials. SSF Director General Major General Mahbubus Samad Chowdhury also addressed the gathering.

Professor Yunus acknowledged that security measures often necessitate restrictions that can cause public inconvenience. He instructed SSF personnel to minimize public suffering wherever possible. He specifically noted the previous practice of closing all flight operations at Shahjalal International Airport for approximately an hour for VIP flights, which led to numerous complications. Professor Yunus confirmed that this restriction has been lifted, expressing hope that “this will ease the suffering to the general passengers.” He added, “I think that the SSF will successfully perform all the responsibilities reposed in them, not being isolated from people, but by interconnecting public relations and security.”

Detailing the SSF’s functions, the Chief Adviser highlighted their role in ensuring the security of Bangabhaban, his residence, office, and during his movements. He also praised their significant contribution to guaranteeing security during various events both within and outside Dhaka, citing successful operations in Cox’s Bazar, Rohingya camps, Chittagong Port, and the convocation ceremony of Chittagong University.

Furthermore, Professor Yunus commended the SSF’s coordinated efforts with various embassies and the protocol and security forces of host countries during his state visits abroad, which have contributed to the success of these visits. He also recognized the force’s successful provision of overall security during state visits by the Malaysian prime minister, the president of East Timor, and the secretary-general of the United Nations to Bangladesh.

Acknowledging the rapidly evolving nature of security threats due to modern technology and information exchange, Professor Yunus described providing 100 percent security as a “very challenging issue.” Despite various limitations, he praised the SSF for properly providing security and expressed his hope that the force would regularly review threats and implement necessary countermeasures.

Professor Yunus noted that the SSF recently strengthened the cybersecurity system of the State Guest House Jamuna and expressed his expectation that the force would similarly enhance the cybersecurity system at the CAO. He articulated his hope that “the SSF, as a professional force, will improve day by day with the integration of advanced training, advanced technology and improved morale.”

He conveyed his satisfaction with the ongoing modernization process of the force’s training, weapons, and equipment. This includes efforts to enhance the capacity of SSF personnel through advanced training at home and abroad and the use of state-of-the-art weapons and equipment to make operational activities more effective. Professor Yunus also announced that the SSF would soon replace its 12-year-old VHF Radio Communication System with the latest UHF Radio Communication System, anticipating a significant boost in operational efficiency.

Recognizing the SSF’s reliance on various law enforcement agencies, the army, Presidential Guard Regiment (PGR), and intelligence agencies for overall security, he advised the SSF to maintain strong relations and close communication and coordination with all these entities.

Finally, Professor Yunus extended his gratitude to the chiefs of all services for selecting and dispatching highly capable officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and Ansar to contribute to the SSF’s development as a modern and professional force. He specifically thanked the Bangladesh Army for providing various training support to the SSF.