President Mohammed Shahabuddin emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relations, communication, and coordination among partner agencies to create a secure environment for VIPs. He delivered this message during the 38th anniversary celebration of the Special Security Force (SSF) at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
In his address, the President stressed that the SSF must handle public relations for VVIPs with great care. He reminded the force that all powers of the republic belong to the people and urged them to ensure that their behavior does not cause public inconvenience.
President Shahabuddin also urged SSF members to demonstrate high morale, unwavering loyalty, and professionalism to address the dynamic security challenges they face. He acknowledged the sensitive nature of the SSF’s duties, noting that the security of important persons is crucial given Bangladesh’s political context, threats from anti-independence forces, and international terrorism.
He highlighted that VIPs are often well-regarded by the public and various professional groups, but security concerns can prevent them from engaging directly with their followers. The President instructed the SSF to avoid creating unnecessary barriers between leaders and the public, emphasizing that security measures should not lead to misunderstandings or distance. He advocated for a balanced approach where security and public engagement are given equal importance.
Professionalism, character strength, discipline, honesty, responsibility, and humane qualities were identified by the President as essential traits for SSF members. He also called for efficient use of state resources and maximizing limited resources. The President expressed confidence that with competent leadership, dedication, and patriotism, the SSF would continue to earn public trust and advance as an exemplary security force.
The event was attended by notable figures including the President’s wife Rebeka Sultana, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Security Adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, and senior civil and military officials.
The SSF, established on June 15, 1986, as the President’s Security Force (PSF) and later renamed, is a specialized force comprising skilled officers from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and Ansar forces. The celebration concluded with a cultural program enjoyed by the President and other attendees.