Security beefed up ahead of Eid
Intelligence surveillance has also been stepped-up to avoid any untoward incident or violence such as militant attacks
The government has strengthened security across the country, including the capital Dhaka, in order to enable safe Eid journeys and celebration of the festival for the people
Around two lakh members from different law enforcing agencies, including police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Ansar, have been deployed countrywide.
The law enforcing agencies have also completed all necessary preparations so that people to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha without any nuisance.
Intelligence surveillance has also been stepped-up to avoid any untoward incident or violence such as militant attacks.
Sources say militant groups usually try to carry out targeted attacks during major festivals such as Eid.
As a result, special security measures have been taken at shopping malls and cattle markets in the city.
The Detective Branch (DB) of police has activated 32 teams in the capital to stop illegal activities by currency forgers and by ‘Agyan’ parties (doping gangs).
Police officials told The Business Standard that security on highways, and at bus and launch terminals has been beefed up to provide additional security for home-bound passengers on the days leading up to Eid.
Counterfeit note detection machines and watch towers have been set up at all cattle markets as part of the monitoring measures.
Also, publicity is being carried out regularly over loudspeakers and through posters to make people aware of possible menaces.
Officials also say that police, based on intelligence tip-offs, have already raided different areas in the capital and have arrested more than 150 active members of note forgery and doping gangs in the last 10 days. The raids will continue till Eid day.
Most working people who live in the capital left for their villages to celebrate Eid with their near and dear ones. Dhaka becomes almost totally empty during this time.
Sheikh Nazmul Alam, joint commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), said incidents of theft and mugging increase in the capital at this time.
He said 10,000 policemen will remain deployed in the city during this period. Police members will do their duties in coordination with security guards of houses.
The DMP joint commissioner further said special security will be provided to all Eid congregations in the capital, including the National Eidgah. There will be a three-tier security system in place even though the capital will be almost empty.
ASP Mizanur Rahman, assistant director of RAB’s legal and media wing, said RAB members will be active on all highways so that extortionists cannot collect money from vehicles.
Security will be provided at all big Eid congregations, including the biggest of its kind at Sholakia in Kishoreganj.
An adequate number of RAB members have been deployed for security in cattle markets, Mizanur Rahman said. He added that the law enforcing agency has been helping sellers and buyers at all cattle markets by setting up counterfeit note detection machines.
The security at ATM booths has also been increased, especially during the evenings. A total of 14 RAB battalions have been deployed with special guidelines on the eve of Eid, he added.
