Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that numerous Awami League leaders and activists have had to sacrifice their lives to protect her. Given that her life is always at risk, members of the Special Security Force (SSF) are deployed for her safety. However, she emphasized that the SSF must ensure she does not become isolated from the public for security reasons, as detachment from the people could lead to her downfall. “I don’t want to be isolated from the general public because they are my lifeblood,” she said.
She made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon at the 38th anniversary celebration of the SSF held at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister remarked that those who came to power after the events of August 15 (referring to the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and most of her family in 1975) failed to move the country forward. Instead, coups occurred, and thousands of members of the Air Force were killed. The country remained stagnant. She mentioned that she was never fully prepared for such a huge responsibility but endured the dire conditions of the nation.
With a promise to continue striving to improve the lives of people as long as she breathes, Sheikh Hasina said she returned to the country knowing the risks to her life. Despite numerous obstacles, she has never backed down and continues to work for the country.
The government has adopted a long-term plan named “Forces Goal 2030” to modernize the Bangladesh Armed Forces. This plan includes increasing the size of the armed forces, acquiring modern military equipment, and providing top-level training.
The Prime Minister said, “We have been in power continuously since 2009, which has allowed us to make visible and sustainable development. The Forces Goal 2030 is being formulated and implemented for the armed forces.”
Recently, there has been some tension at the Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar. Occasionally, shots are fired from the other side of the border.
Bangladesh has raised the issue of Myanmar targeting Bangladeshi people and structures at the Cox’s Bazar border with the United Nations. Bangladesh has stated that any conflict in Myanmar is their internal matter but should not affect the people and assets of Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister asserted, “We will not attack anyone, but we must be ready to protect the country’s sovereignty if attacked.”
On March 24, 1982, then-President Hussain Muhammad Ershad issued the “Presidential Security Force Ordinance,” which came into effect on June 19 of the same year. On June 15, 1986, he formed a special security team called the “Presidential Security Force” to protect the President and visiting foreign heads of state. After the parliamentary government system was established in Bangladesh, the name was changed to “Special Security Force (SSF)” on September 27, 1991.
