How secure is the position of the chief adviser?

Amid lingering memories of last July’s uprising, concerns have emerged over the security and protection of the Chief Adviser, especially after reports of vandalism affecting the vital communication systems of the Special Security Force (SSF), which led to coordination breakdowns.

Despite extensive media coverage of the incident, questions remain about whether the SSF has upgraded its communication systems or if another security lapse is on the horizon. Sources suggest the Chief Adviser may not be fully aware of these vulnerabilities and seems unconcerned about the risks posed by the outdated security infrastructure. Globally, heads of state and government officials are safeguarded by highly trained security forces equipped with cutting-edge technology. For example, India relies on the National Security Guards (NSG), known as the "Black Cats," for rapid-response operations, while Pakistan uses both the President’s Bodyguard and SSF, with personnel trained in the US and the UK. Malaysia’s Prime Minister is protected by the Special Task and Rescue (STAR) unit, which is trained to handle high-risk situations using advanced communication systems.

In contrast, Bangladesh’s SSF, tasked with protecting the Chief Adviser, has long struggled with aging technology. The July–August 2024 uprising revealed significant vulnerabilities, particularly in communication networks, raising serious concerns about the force’s ability to handle crises effectively.

Critical State of SSF’s Communication System

In 2020, an internal SSF review revealed that its communication system was becoming outdated and lacked the scalability needed for modern security challenges. Built on Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) technology developed in 2005, the system had become increasingly inadequate due to dead zones, outdated features, and poor integration with newer surveillance technologies. A sporadic overlay network was used to mitigate some deficiencies.

A 2022 survey by a US-based tech firm uncovered alarming gaps in communication coverage, with even critical areas like the National Parliament experiencing extensive dead zones. Over 80% of security personnel surveyed stressed the need for better coverage, and more than half reported delayed transmissions during heavy network loads. The lack of an integrated network for voice, video, and data posed severe risks to operational efficiency during emergencies.

The survey recommended transitioning to a tactical broadband network, which was endorsed by SSF leadership. This proposed system would include advanced security features to prevent interception and jamming, eliminate dead zones, enhance coverage, and integrate with AI-driven surveillance for real-time threat detection. However, following the political upheaval of August 2024, this initiative was abandoned, with the SSF potentially reverting to the outdated DMR system—a problematic decision, given its technological limitations.

Implications for National Security

Security experts argue that continuing to rely on outdated communication tools not only endangers the Chief Adviser’s safety but also threatens national stability. In contrast, countries like the US and UK continuously upgrade their security forces with the latest technologies to ensure seamless coordination and quick 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 rising maintenance costs.

Is the Chief Adviser Truly Safe?

According to Traffic, a US-based tech firm, survey data underscores the need for enhanced system capacity, as congestion leads to delays. While DMR has served well in the past, 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 is fast becoming 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.

Several US-based defense communication firms proposed a tactical broadband network with an integrated system offering optimal coverage and mobility. While initially welcomed, the initiative was discarded for unknown reasons. A recent SSF report also confirmed that the force’s critical communication infrastructure was severely compromised by vandalism at Ganabhaban and the National Parliament.

Instead of adopting modern solutions, the SSF seems poised to revert to the outdated DMR system, exacerbating security vulnerabilities. The scarcity of spare parts and rising maintenance costs would only worsen the situation.

Given the SSF’s historical loyalty to the ousted Prime Minister, concerns have also been raised about its current allegiance. Recent viral footage connecting the Director General to questionable figures further raises doubts about the Chief Adviser’s safety. Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune on condition of anonymity, a senior official close to the Chief Adviser expressed concerns over the current security situation.

“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 dead zones is unacceptable,” the official said.

“The time to act is now. The nation cannot afford any lapse in security,” they added.

Dhaka Tribune reached out to an SSF officer responsible for communications, but he declined to comment.