PM asks SSF not to annoy people while on duty

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks at a function marking the 24th founding anniversary of SSF, at the International Conference Centre (ICC) of the Prime Minister's Office yesterday.Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the Special Security Force (SSF) to ensure that they do not annoy the mass people while performing their security tasks.
“Make sure your actions do not annoy ordinary people,” she said while addressing a function marking the 24th founding anniversary of SSF, at the International Conference Centre (ICC) of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
Hasina said it is very much painful for the politicians to live isolated from the people. “Ensure that people are not kept far away from us due to your security concerns.”
She also asked the SSF personnel to be more polite and tolerant towards the civilians and stressed putting this in their training module.
Hasina said the task entrusted to SSF is a very sensitive one. “It will be your credit if you can keep the VVIPs in touch with the public. Don't keep them (VVIPs) away from the mass people while providing security,” she told the SSF.
“Integrity, sharp intelligence and tolerance as well as unquestionable loyalty are essential in carrying out security responsibilities,” she said.
The prime minister underscored the need for building up flawless trustworthy communications and integrity among all agencies concerned to ensure proper security to the VVIPs. “Otherwise, the security won't be foolproof,” she said.
Providing security to the VVIPs has now become a very sensitive and complex task in the present national and international context, she said, referring to the existing multi-dimensional terrorist and militant activities both at home and outside world.
Hasina said tactics and types of criminal offences have also changed along with the rapid expansion of science and technology. “Under such a circumstance, the security personnel need to be given time-befitting quality training so that they can properly ensure security to the VVIPs.”
She said keeping this in mind her previous government set up 'firing range' for the SSF in 1999 to make the force more skilled and capable.
The PM assured to continue her government's endeavors to further modernise the SSF resolving their problems in future.
Director General of SSF Maj Gen Joynal Abedin also spoke on the occasion.