, June 18 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged the Special Security Force (SSF) to ensure that security arrangements do not isolate him from ordinary citizens, saying public trust and affection remain his greatest source of strength.

"As the head of government, my greatest reliance is on the trust and love of the people. Therefore, I urge you, as a sophisticated force, to ensure that the security cordon does not push the head of government away from the people," he said, while speaking at a programme marking the 40th anniversary of the SSF at Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon.

The Prime Minister said the security environment has changed significantly since the force was established four decades ago, wit...