With memories of last year's July uprising still fresh, concerns have arisen about the security and safeguarding of the chief adviser following reports of vandalism to the crucial communication apparatus of the Special Security Force (SSF), which led to a breakdown in coordination.
Despite widespread media coverage of the incident, questions remain as to whether the force has upgraded its communication system or if a security lapse is imminent. Sources indicate that the Chief Adviser may not be aware of these vulnerabilities and appears unconcerned about the potential risks posed by the outdated security infrastructure.
Globally, heads of state and government officials rely on highly trained security forces equipped with state-of-the-art technology. For instance, India deploys the National Security Guards (NSG), commonly known as the "Black Cats," for security and rapid-response operations. Pakistan relies on both the President’s Bodyguard and its SSF, with personnel trained in the United States and the United Kingdom. Similarly, Malaysia’s Prime Minister is protected by the Special Task and Rescue (STAR) unit, which is trained to handle high-risk situations using cutting-edge communication systems.
In contrast, Bangladesh’s SSF, which is tasked with protecting the Chief Adviser, has long struggled with aging technology. The July–August 2024 uprising exposed severe vulnerabilities—particularly in its communication networks—raising serious concerns about the force’s ability to respond effectively to crises.
Dire state of the SSF’s communication system
In 2020, an internal SSF review revealed that the force's existing communication system was becoming obsolete and lacked the scalability needed to meet modern security challenges. Based on Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) technology developed in 2005, the system proved increasingly inadequate due to dead zones, outdated features, and poor integration with newer surveillance technologies. A multiple overlay network was used sporadically to compensate for these deficiencies.
A 2022 survey conducted by a US-based technology firm uncovered alarming gaps in communication coverage. Notably, even critical locations such as the National Parliament suffered from extensive dead zones. According to the survey report, over 80% of the security personnel surveyed stressed the need for enhanced communication coverage, while more than half reported experiencing delayed transmissions under heavy network load. The absence of an integrated network for voice, video, and data posed severe risks to operational efficiency during emergencies.
The study recommended transitioning to a tactical broadband network—a move that was endorsed by SSF leadership at the time. The proposed network would feature advanced security elements designed to prevent interception and jamming, eliminate dead zones, enhance coverage, and integrate with AI-driven surveillance for real-time threat detection and response. However, following the political upheaval of August 2024, this initiative was abandoned. Instead, the SSF may have opted to revert to the old DMR system—a decision problematic given its technological obsolescence and limited capabilities.
Implications for national security
Security experts argue that reverting to outdated communication tools jeopardizes not only the chief adviser’s safety but also national stability. In contrast, countries like the US and the UK continuously upgrade their security forces with the latest defense technologies to ensure seamless coordination and rapid response during crises.
Moreover, the recent unrest saw SSF equipment being ransacked and stolen, further exposing weaknesses in asset protection. Reports indicate that the force is now struggling to maintain its compromised system, facing limited spare parts and increasing maintenance costs.
Is the chief adviser truly safe?
According to the US tech firm Traffic, survey data highlights a critical need for enhanced system channel capacity, as congestion leads to delays. Although Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) has served well, its technology is outdated and lacks integration with modern advancements.
The SSF urgently requires a replacement system to maintain operational efficiency. Alarming gaps persist in critical locations—such as the National Parliament—where large areas remain without communication coverage. Developed in 2005, DMR may soon become technologically obsolete. While global security forces are upgrading to systems like P25 or LTE, Bangladesh’s SSF continues to rely on a system that is over two decades old.
Sources indicate that a few US-based defense communication firms had proposed a tactical broadband network featuring a highly advanced integrated system with mobility options for optimal coverage. Although initially welcomed, the initiative was discarded for reasons unknown. Furthermore, a recent SSF report said that the force’s critical communication infrastructure was severely compromised by the vandalism at Ganabhaban and the National Parliament.
Instead of adopting modern solutions, the SSF appears compelled to reinstate the outdated DMR system, thereby risking security vulnerabilities. The scarcity of spare parts and rising maintenance costs would only exacerbate the situation.
Given the SSF's previous loyalty to the ousted Prime Minister, concerns have arisen regarding its current allegiance. Furthermore, recent viral footage linking the Director General to questionable figures raises the question: How secure is the Chief Adviser, truly?
Speaking with Dhaka Tribune on condition of anonymity, a senior official close to the chief adviser expressed concerns over the current security measures.
“The SSF has always been an elite force, but the recent setbacks in communication technology leave us vulnerable. The fact that key security sites have dark zones is unacceptable,” the official said.
“The time to act is now. The nation cannot afford any lapse in security,” he added.
Dhaka Tribune reached an SSF officer responsible for communications, but he declined to comment.