Security beefed up in the capital

Law enforcers had increased their patrols on city streets to combat crimes like mugging and snatching

Members of law enforcement agencies have taken special  measures to ensure the security of cattle markets, bus and launch terminals as well as railway stations in the capital ahead of Eid-ul-Azha to be celebrated tomorrow.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police and the Rapid Action Battalion have already made three-tier security arrangements. Detective Branch of police has also made security plan while navy police would play a role in this regard during this Eid vacation.

Sources said apart from regular services, 15,000 additional forces– 10,000 policemen, 3,000 RAB members and 2,000 intelligence officials– will be on duty to provide city dwellers with foolproof security.

Monirul Islam, joint commissioner of Detective Branch of police under the DMP said: “Eid-ul-Azha will be followed by Durga Puja. So, the DMP has tightened security in the city.”

“Three-tier security measures have been taken in the cattle markets, bus and launch terminals and railway stations. On Eid day, security will be stepped up at Eidgah Maidan, entertainment centres and amusement parks. Law enforcers will also keep watch on fireworks, stalls set up blocking the road and reckless motorcycle riding.”

As many people left Dhaka, he said, law enforcers would remain alert to ensure the security of banks, shopping malls and business establishments. “We will also try our best to make sure that selling and buying of rawhides can go unhindered,” he added.

Law enforcers had increased their patrols on city streets to combat crimes like mugging and snatching.

Commander Mufti Mahmud Khan, director of RAB’s Legal & Media Wing, told the Dhaka Tribune: “As the city saw less people this time due to vacation, our top priority is to ensure the security of  business establishments, residential areas and shopping malls.”

“While returning to the capital, people sometimes fall victim to muggers. Our team will be deployed at railway stations and bus and launch terminals to fight mugging,” he said.

Security at Eidgah Maidan

The police will ensure the security of the devotees who will offer prayers at the National Eidgah Maidan adjacent to the High Court.

A total of 64 closed-circuit cameras will be installed in the area along with a police camp on the northern side of the main entrance. RAB has set up a makeshift camp on the southern side in the area.

There will be around 800 fans and 1,000 tube-lights at the ground. Also, a waterproof canopy has been set up on an area of 2.8 lakh square feet, using bamboos.

The main Eid congregation will be held at the National Eidgah Maidan at 8:30am. Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Maulana Mohammad Salahuddin will conduct the prayers. A total of 1.2 lakh devotees are expected to join it.

Five Eid congregations will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The first congregation will be held at 7am, followed by the second at 8am, the third at 9am, the fourth at 10am and the last one at 11am.

Source: Dhaka Tribune