HPM Sheikh Hasina direct security forces to gain technical expertise to fight terrorism

"We are observing that the pattern of terrorism and militancy has changed, as use of technology in terrorism and militancy has been increased. So, I call upon every force to achieve capability in using modern technologies side by side with receiving training to tackle the twin demons," she said.

The prime minister gave the instruction while addressing the 30th anniversary function of Special Security Force (SSF) at the International Conference Centre of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) here on Tuesday morning.

SSF Director General Major General Md Shafiqur Rahman delivered the welcome address at the function, while PM's Security Advisor Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and Principal Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad were present on the dais.

Sheikh Hasina said it is unfortunate that some incidents happened in the country in recent times. She said Bangladesh is not only witnessing militancy and terrorism, such incidents are also happening even in the developed countries as these social menaces are a worldwide problem.

The premier said new technologies are innovated and those are used in socioeconomic field on the one hand, adding the technologies are also used in destructive activities on the other hand.

"For this, I think that every force will have to acquire knowledge in using and practising modern technologies," she said, assuring that her government would do whatever necessary to this end.

"I want that Bangladesh would never lag behind in any field ... we would take steps so that every security force earn capability in using modern technologies," she said.

Describing again the people's strength is the biggest strength, the prime minister called upon the countrymen to resist terrorism and militancy side by side with creating social movement against these menaces.

"We are arresting the culprits involved in terrorism and militancy and investigating all such incidents. But it's not enough to clampdown on these social menaces...we will also have to build a social movement against the twin devils," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said awareness will have to be created among every human being. "We will have to work together by creating anti-terrorism and militancy sentiment in everybody," she said.

She accused the anti-liberation forces and anti-development elements of launching the Gulshan cafe attack and the attack near Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj as well as committing recent secret killings across the country.

"I think the conspiracies of those who did not want Bangladesh's independence and advancement of Bangali nation and those who did not want to see appreciation of Bangladesh have worked in these heinous attacks," she said.

Simultaneously, she said, international terrorism and militancy have spread worldwide.

Reiterating her firm resolve not to allow anyone to malign Islam, Sheikh Hasina said her government must take stern action against those for whom these brutal acts are happening. Besides, she said, more awareness at international level is needed to this end.

She said Islam is the religion of peace but some elements make this religion questionable today by different ways. "This is shameful and painful for those who believe in this region," she said.

The Prime Minister urged the parents and guardians to keep a watchful eye on their children to prevent them being derailed. "It's the responsibility of the parents and guardians to keep vigilant on their children so that they don't step into wrong path," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said a section of children of the well-off families is being derailed but their every demand is fulfilled by their families. "Remaining a single demand unfulfilled is the reason for their mental pain," she said.

The Premier said the parents and guardians will have to give more time to their children alongside providing proper education. "You should look after the good and bad of your children and make arrangements for learning main messages of the religion."

While talking about her statement delivered in the recent 11th ASEM Summit in Mongolia, the Premier said she urged the world leaders to find out the root cause of terrorism and violent extremism.

"I also called upon the international community to track down those evil forces who supply money and arms and provide training to the derailed youths and push them toward mental disaster by injecting religious fanaticism into their minds," she said.

Lauding the activities of the SSF members, Sheikh Hasina said this force has been working with high mental strength, loyalty beyond question and utmost professionalism since its inception.

"I believe that the way the SSF agents have been upholding their responsibilities for 30 years would retain their reputation through their work," she said.

Elaborating the steps her government took for the development of the force, the Prime Minister said she has already asked authorities concerned to implement the plans speedily that have been undertaken for technological development to run the operational activities of the force smoothly.

Reminding the SSF members that they have social and family responsibility side by side with professional responsibility, the Premier urged them to be more careful about their family members.