President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday directed to maintain good relations, close communication and coordination between all partner agencies in creating a security zone for VIPs.
He said this in a brief speech before the 38th anniversary celebration of the Special Security Force (SSF) at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital yesterday (28 June).
At the same time, he also instructed SSF to ensure public relations of VVIPs seriously.
“All the powers of the republic belong to the people. You should always keep a watchful eye so that people do not suffer in any of your behaviour,” he said.
However, the President admonished the SSF members to always exert their utmost morale, unquestioning loyalty and professionalism to meet the challenges and obstacles of the ever-changing security situation.
Mentioning that every area of SSF's duty is "very sensitive", the President said that the security of important persons is always very important and challenging due to the political context of Bangladesh, the conspiracy of anti-independence forces and above all international terrorism.
He said, VIPs are very popular and legendary among people and followers of different classes and professions. But they cannot always meet for security reasons.
He directed to consider very carefully so that no distance or misunderstanding is created between the leader and the people due to extreme strictness and extravagance.
“Security and public involvement should be given equal importance," he added.
He also said maximum security must be ensured not by creating distance from the people, but by showing professionalism while keeping the public involvement normal
The President said that apart from increasing professional skills through proper training, SSF members should also be given serious consideration to acquire character strength, improved discipline, honesty, responsibility and humane qualities.
Apart from this, President Sahabuddin urged the members of this special force to ensure the proper use of state resources as well as the maximum use of limited resources.
He hoped that through competent leadership, right direction and professionalism, patriotism and sincerity of the members, SSF will move forward on the path of prosperity and earn the trust of all as the 'ideal security providing force'.
The wife of the president Rebeka Sultana and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Security Adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, senior civil and military officials were present.
Director General of SSF Major General AKM Nazmul Hasan delivered the welcome address on the occasion.
SSF has been formed as a smart force consisting of professional, skilled and specially trained officers of Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Ansar forces to ensure the safety of important persons.
On 15 June 1986, the President's Security Force (PSF) was formed, later renamed a Special Security Force (SSF) after the restoration of parliamentary government in the country.
The President attended and enjoyed a wonderful cultural programme there.
