SSF to upgrade comms system, launch indoor firing range next month: CA Yunus

The Special Security Force (SSF) is set to introduce several key technological upgrades to enhance its operational capabilities, including a new radio communication system and the inauguration of a modern indoor firing range.

Speaking as the chief guest at the 39th founding anniversary of the SSF today (18 June), Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said, "I am reassured to know that the SSF's process of modernising its training, weaponry, and equipment is ongoing."

Chief Adviser noted that the force had swiftly restored vehicles and equipment damaged during the events of 5 August 2024. 

"The equipment that sustained damage on 5 August was made operational again in a short time," he said. 

"The SSF will soon replace its 12-year-old VHF Radio Communication System with the latest UHF Radio Communication System, which will significantly enhance its operational performance," he added.

He also announced the near completion of a state-of-the-art indoor firing range, which is expected to be operational next month.

"In providing security to state-declared VIPs, the issues of characteristic strength, improved discipline, honesty, responsibility and human values must be seriously considered along with professional skills, and you should work with professionalism above all political ideologies," CA Yunus told SSF personal at a function. 

He said for the sake of security, the SSF has to impose various restrictions which often cause public inconvenience. 

He instructed the SSF personnel to reduce public sufferings as much as possible. 

Mentioning that in the past, all flight operations at Shahjalal International Airport used to be closed for about one hour for VIP flights, which created many complications, the chief adviser said he lifted this restriction. 

"I hope this will ease the suffering to the general passengers. I think that the SSF will successfully perform all the responsibilities reposed in them, not being isolated from people, but by interconnecting public relations and security," he said.

About the functions of the SSF, the chief adviser said the force ensures the security of Bangabhaban, his residence, office and during his movements. 

It also plays a significant role in guaranteeing security during various events inside and outside Dhaka, he said.

He also said the SSF has successfully ensured security in Cox's Bazar and Rohingya camps and in Chittagong Port and the convocation ceremony of Chittagong University he attended. 

"Not only within the country but also outside the country, during my state visits, the SSF has worked in coordination with various embassies and the protocol and security forces of the concerned countries and made the visits successful," he added. 

In addition, CA Yunus said this force very successfully completed the overall security during the state visits of the Malaysian prime minister, the president of East Timor and the secretary-general of the United Nations, who visited Bangladesh.

In today's world, due to the availability of modern technology and information exchange, the type and nature of security threats are changing rapidly, he said. 

So, the chief adviser said providing 100 percent security is a very challenging issue. 

Despite various limitations, the SSF is providing security properly, he said, hoping that the force would regularly review various types of security threats and take necessary measures to deal with those.

He also mentioned that the SSF has recently strengthened the cyber security system of the State Guest House Jamuna. 

He hoped that the force would similarly improve the cyber security system at CAO. 

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, chiefs of the three services, CA's principal secretary, principal coordinator on SDG affairs, CA's press secretary, inspector general of police and senior government officials were present.