We won’t accept defeat against an invisible force: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon people to have confidence and trust that Bangladesh would not bow down to anything like the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We won't accept defeat… death is inevitable and it can happen any time, but we won't accept defeat against this invisible force out of fear," she said.

The premier mentioned that she is using digital platforms to reach out to the common people and talk to them to boost their confidence amid the coronavirus situation. "I want people to have trust and confidence."

PM Sheikh Hasina said this while addressing a function marking the 34th founding anniversary of the Special Security Force (SSF) through videoconferencing from her official residence Ganobhaban on Monday morning.

Spelling out the global situation triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, she said, "The entire world has now come to a standstill due to fear and deaths caused by the coronavirus despite the fact that many more people die (in the world) in various accidents (in comparison to Covid-19)."

No power or asset of the rich and powerful countries could thus far bring any positive result in the fight against the invisible virus Covid-19, she continued.

The prime minister said her government has given special attention to keeping the lives and livelihood of the people on course alongside ensuring their protection and education.

"I urge the countrymen to protect themselves (from the coronavirus) by following the health guidelines. Everyone should bear in mind that protection of oneself means the protection of others," she said.

The premier thanked the SSF personnel for risking their lives to arrange security for her and other VVIPs. "As you people are thinking about my security, I am also thinking about your security. I want you to be safe and secure," she said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the SSF members to always remain ready by being equipped with modern technological knowledge in order to face any kind of situation.

"The current situation regarding global security is much more challenging in this era of technological advancement than before. So, every member of the security force has to perform their duties very cautiously," she said.

She also commended the efficiency and professionalism of the SSF members.

"As public representatives we are duty-bound to our people. Therefore, make sure that your behaviour does not hurt the general people," she said.

The SSF was understaffed and underequipped when Awami League assumed power in 1996, the prime minister said, adding that later her government purchased modern equipment and appointed more manpower for the SSF.

She also called upon the SSF personnel to read the book titled "Secret Documents of Intelligence Branch on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," saying, "The people who are working to ensure security should study the book to know how to work."

Besides, one could learn how Bangabandhu had made Bangladesh ready in phases towards the desired independence, she continued.

Director General of SSF Major General Md Majibur Rahman delivered the welcome speech at the function from Ganobhaban.

At the end of the programme, the SSF DG handed over a cheque on behalf of the agency to the Prime Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund to help fight the adverse impacts of the pandemic.

Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, secretary to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), received the cheque.

SSF personnel were connected to the function from the PMO through videoconferencing.