PM asks SSF not to isolate her from people

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked the Special Security Force (SSF) agents to perform their duty without isolating her from people exposing her to a state of a “fish out of water”, reports BSS.

“They (people) are my everything, they are source of my strength and inspiration . . . so I want SSF members to ensure that I’m not isolated from them,” she said addressing a “darbar” of the specialized unit meant to provide VVIP security.

Sheikh Hasina added: “Life will be of no meaning unless we cannot remain with the people and cannot see them as we work and do politics taking them with us . . . I don’t want my condition like a fish out of water.”

SSF, which draws personnel from army, navy, air force, police and anssar forces, organized the “darbar” or special meeting with the premier coinciding with its 31st founding anniversary at the PMO.

Sheikh Hasina said she was immensely blessed with common peoples love after losing her parents, brothers and everything in 1975 and they remained to be “my strength and inspiration which you (SSF) should keep in mind while discharging your duty”.

SSF Director General Major General Md Safikur Rahman delivered the welcome address highlighting the activities of the force, while PM’s Security Advisor Major General (retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddiq and Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury were on the dais.

Premier’s adviser, chiefs of three armed services and senior civil and military officials witnessed the darbar.

The special security unit was floated in 1986 when it was called Presidential Security Force (PSF) and it was renamed subsequently as SSF with the task of providing security to the head of the state and government and VVIP foreign dignitaries.