After the overthrow of the Awami League government during the mass uprising and subsequent public entry into Ganabhaban on August 5, weapons, ammunition, wireless communication devices, and operational equipment worth Tk 50 million belonging to the Special Security Force (SSF) were looted.
SSF has not requested any funding for the looted arms and equipment separately yet. However, three reports related to the incident have been submitted to the relevant government departments and The Business Post has obtained copies of these reports.
According to the reports, SSF asked to make necessary arrangements to purchase arms, ammunition and other equipment in the current fiscal year to modernise and accelerate operational activities. The reports also suggest that an additional budget be considered if necessary.
However, SSF has not yet communicated with the Finance Division regarding this matter. A Finance Division official confirmed to The Business Post that only reports have been submitted and even if the report mentions a need for funds, it's not enough; a separate allocation must be required. Otherwise, the Finance Division cannot take any initiative, he said.
SSF’s various tactical gear or arms, ammunition, wireless communication, and operational equipment were stocked at Ganabhaban. Due to limited time as Sheikh Hasina decided to flee, they left everything and tried to go to Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to save their lives, the report said.
The report details the financial losses incurred, stating that on August 5, the SSF suffered a loss of Tk 5.28 crore, including arms and magazines valued at Tk 11.62 lakh, ammunition and grenades worth Tk 11.44 lakh, operational and communication equipment worth Tk 2.63 crore, IT and surveillance equipment worth Tk 1.55 crore, transportations of Tk 14 lakh and other items amounting to Tk 74 lakh.
According to the SSF report, two state-of-the- vaults, weighing 100 kg each, were permanently installed in the operation room set up by the SSF at the Ganabhaban for storing arms and ammunition. One vault contained two SMG T-56 rifles, and the other vault contained 9,498 rounds of live ammunition. During the looting, assailants disguised as agitators stole both vaults, which have not been recovered.
The report recommends vigorous action by concerned law enforcement agencies to recover these weapons and ammunition. To avoid such situations in future, it suggests forming a separate officers' council to enhance the security of SSF’s operational rooms.
The report also advises changing the privacy codes of all SSF radio devices and connecting them to a new network to prevent unauthorised use of lost devices.
Furthermore, SSF has emphasised the urgent need to repair damaged operational equipment and vehicles. SSF uses advanced weapons, ammunition, advanced vehicles, operational and communication equipment to ensure the security of the president, prime minister, chief adviser and other key government figures. These assets are primarily kept secure at the residences, offices, and other locations of VIPs.
