Bishwa Ijtema poses security challenges: RAB

Rapid Action Battalion Director General Benazir Ahmed at a press conference arranged at the RAB Media Center at Karwan Bazar in the capital on Thursday afternoon said that the 'Bishwa Ijtema poses security challenges'.

Benazir said, "Pilgrims have started coming to the Ijtema from around the world. A significant number of pilgrims from 27 countries are staying there. This is a matter of prestige for Bangladesh, so we have security challenges here."

He said, "Until yesterday, four and a half lakh Muslims have gathered there. We have already started working on security."

"We have started our intelligence surveillance," said Benazir. "There will be deployments in two steps for three days. A three-dimensional security measure will be adopted for this Bishwa Ijtema. The Ijtema Maidan will be divided into two sectors, with car-motorcycle-boat patrol, as well as continuous surveillance by helicopters and drones from the sky. In addition, intelligence is being verified in coordination with other intelligence agencies."

Asked if there could be any disturbance from two factions in the Bishwa Ijtema, the Director General of RAB said, "From the start of the Ijtema there will be a sufficient number of RAB members present in civilian clothing, along with officers in uniform. The RAB will also keep an eye to avoid any unpleasant situation created by the two factions. We have contact with both factions of the Ijtema. We have explained this to them."

"The bomb disposal unit, sweeping team and dog squad will be ready at the Ijtema compound. Our force will be ready to deal with any emergency situation," the Director General of RAB added.