Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the Caretaker Government, urged members of the Special Security Force (SSF) to see their role not only as national guardians but as professionals with global responsibilities.
Speaking at the SSF’s 39th founding anniversary event, he likened the force to national athletes preparing for both national and international competitions. The message was clear. Excellence must not be limited to local standards.
“The SSF is like our national Olympic team. They are the best of the best, chosen from across our armed forces,” he said. “But we can’t stop there. We need to ask ourselves where we stand globally.”
The SSF, although small in size, operates under the Chief Adviser’s direct command. It is responsible for the round-the-clock protection of both the Chief Adviser and the President, as well as the security of key state functions.
Over the past ten months, SSF coordinated major security operations at home and abroad. The visits included leaders from Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and the UN. CA Muhammad Yunus praised the force for its professionalism and coordination with global security teams.
He highlighted several recent upgrades. The SSF is set to replace its 12-year-old radio system with a modern UHF communication setup. A new indoor firing range is also nearing completion. The land and infrastructure support for this project came from the Bangladesh Air Force, whom Yunus publicly thanked.
He also addressed the challenge of balancing public convenience with national security. Referring to past practices at the Dhaka airport, where flight operations were paused for VIP movements, he said the restriction has now been removed.
“This will reduce public disruption. But at the same time, it increases SSF’s workload,” he noted. “Security must improve, even as public frustration goes down.”
Yunus said the modern security environment is evolving rapidly due to technological advances. He stressed that the SSF should regularly analyze new risks and prepare accordingly.
He acknowledged the vital support SSF receives from other forces, including the military, police, and intelligence services. He extended his appreciation to all force chiefs for assigning skilled personnel to the SSF.
Emphasizing values beyond tactics, Yunus urged SSF members to uphold honesty, discipline, responsibility, and impartial professionalism.
“You’re not just defending individuals. You’re shaping national standards,” he said. “The public looks at you. Other forces follow your example.”
He concluded with gratitude and encouragement.
“I thank the SSF Director General and all members for organizing this event. May you and your families remain well, and may your efforts continue to raise the bar, year after year.”
