SSF urged to stay professional, rise above politics: Yunus

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus urges SSF to uphold professionalism over politics at its 39th anniversary in Dhaka.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged members of the Special Security Force (SSF) to uphold professionalism and remain above political ideologies in the discharge of their duties.

“You must ensure characteristic strength, discipline, honesty, responsibility, and human values, along with professional competence—always staying above political ideologies,” he told SSF personnel during a function marking the force’s 39th founding anniversary.

The event was held at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO), with SSF Director General Major General Mahbubus Samad Chowdhury and other dignitaries including Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, chiefs of the armed forces, senior officials, and diplomats in attendance.

Recognizing that security measures often inconvenience the public, Prof Yunus advised the SSF to minimize such disruptions. He cited the removal of a previous rule that grounded all flights for one hour during VIP movements at Shahjalal International Airport. “This decision was taken to reduce suffering for general passengers,” he said.

He emphasized maintaining strong public relations, adding that “security should not come at the cost of alienation from the people.”

Prof Yunus highlighted the SSF’s critical role in protecting key state figures and locations, including Bangabhaban, his residence, and during movements across the country. He praised the force’s coordination with foreign security agencies during his state visits and the visits of global leaders, including the Malaysian Prime Minister, East Timor President, and UN Secretary-General.

He noted the SSF’s successful operations at events in Cox’s Bazar, the Rohingya camps, Chattogram Port, and Chittagong University.

Referring to evolving threats in the digital age, he acknowledged the challenges of ensuring absolute security. “Despite limitations, SSF continues to deliver. I hope the force regularly reviews emerging threats and takes appropriate measures.”

He also commended SSF’s recent cybersecurity enhancements at the State Guest House Jamuna and urged further improvements at the CAO.

Prof Yunus appreciated ongoing modernization efforts, including updated weapons, training, and the upcoming transition from a 12-year-old VHF system to an advanced UHF radio communication network to improve operational capacity.

He stressed the importance of coordination with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies and thanked the military for supporting SSF’s transformation into a modern, professional force.