PM asks SSF not to isolate her from people

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the Special Security Force (SSF) agents to perform their duty without isolating her from the common people. The prime minister made the call while addressing a function marking the 31st founding anniversary of SSF at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Saturday. "They [people] are everything to me, they are the source of my strength and inspiration . . . so I want SSF members to ensure that I am not isolated from them," the PM was quoted by BSS as saying. Sheikh Hasina said she was immensely blessed with common people’s love after losing nearly all her family members in 1975. “They remained to be my strength and inspiration which you [SSF] should keep in mind while discharging your duty,” she said. Referring to the last year's Holey Artisan attack, the prime minister said the armed forces, police, RAB and intelligence agencies together rescued the hostages by bringing the situation under control within only eight hours. Terming terrorism and militancy a global problem, Sheikh Hasina said that there would not be any room for militancy and terrorism in the country. “We want that the people of the country remain in peace and if the peaceful environment exists, then the pace of development will be accelerated,” she added. SSF Director General Major General Md Safikur Rahman delivered the welcome address highlighting the activities of the force. Premier's adviser, chiefs of three armed services and senior civil and military officials attended the function. The special security unit was floated in 1986 when it was called Presidential Security Force (PSF) and it was renamed subsequently as SSF with the task of providing security to the head of the state and government and VVIP foreign dignitaries.