Dhaka: President Abdul Hamid on Saturday urged the members of Special Security Force (SSF) to build them as skilled, smart and time-befitting security force to ensure the security of the very important persons (VIPs) of the state.

The President made the urge while addressing a celebration programme marking the 32^nd founding anniversary of SSF in the city’s Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, reports the UNB.

‘You know, there is no alternative to training to gain professionalism. Every member of the SSF will have to develop professionalism as well as build you as a skilled, smart and time-befitting security force to ensure the security of the VIPs of the state. Advanced training at home and abroad, the use of security related sophisticated equipment and technology will be ensured for this purpose,’ said the President.

He added that this force is going to be equipped with the latest 4^th generation vehicle mounted and portable jamming systems, drone guns and anti-drone systems, drone and robotic surveillance facilities to combat the future challenges which are very significant.

Praising the SSF members’ successful journey from its inception in addressing the challenges and barriers of ever-changing security issues through improved morale, uncompromising loyalty and high professionalism, the head of the state said ‘I am happy to know that all the state and government leaders who have visited Bangladesh during this time, they all praised SSF’s competence and professionalism. I firmly believe that in the future, the members of this force will continue to maintain their high quality of professionalism and perform the assigned responsibilities.’

Mentioning the security of the VIPs as important and significant for the political perspective, conspiracy of the anti-liberation forces, and international terrorism, Abdul Hamid added ‘Explosive detectors, food radiation detectors, millimeter microwave body scanners, biometric detection and intelligence face detection system will be incorporated in the fleet of the SSF and the auxiliary forces in order to prevent various types of terrorist attacks. The addition of these sophisticated technologies and equipment will not only increase the capability of SSF members, I believe they will be more self-reliant and more confident in carrying out the responsibilities.’

Underscoring the need for ensuring collective and foolproof security of the VIPs without disrupting their attachment with general people and conidering their public relations, he reminded ‘You have to maintain good relation, intimate contact and coordination with all agencies apart from developing a foolproof security. At the same time, issues of public relations of VIPs should be taken seriously. You should always remain alert so that people do not get hurt in your behaviour.’ President hoped that every member of the forces will be more careful about their family alongside their professional duties as family members’ cooperation and moral support are very important behind each success.

Chiefs of the three services, PM’s Security Adviser Major General (retired) Tariq Ahmed Siddique and SSF Director General Major General Md Shafiqur Rahman were present while secretaries concerned to Bangabhaban also attended the celebration programme.