FE REPORT
Law enforcement agencies have taken extensive measures to ensure the safety and security of homebound passengers, cattle markets and shopping malls, along with maintaining smooth traffic management ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.
The seven-day government holiday for the festival will begin tomorrow (May 25), while Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated in the country on May 28.
Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), River Police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have intensified security across the country, with special focus on transport hubs, cattle markets, shopping malls and other key areas in the capital.
Fraud gangs, muggers, snatchers, ticket black marketers, organised criminal groups and the so-called "malam party" are usually active during Eid.
However, law enforcement agencies said they are fully prepared to prevent such criminal activities this year.
A senior official of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) told The Financial Express that special operations have been strengthened at bus and launch terminals and railway stations to ensure passenger safety.
Around 2,000 CCTV cameras have been installed at major points in the city, including transport hubs and cattle markets.
According to Police Headquarters, an additional 7,000 personnel, along with regular forces, are being deployed in the capital to ensure security during the festival period.
DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations Division) NM Nasiruddin said additional forces have been deployed considering the safety of homebound passengers, cattle markets, shopping malls, banks, residential areas and Eid congregations, as well as to ensure proper traffic management.
He said most areas of the capital, including cattle markets, bus and launch terminals and railway stations, will remain under CCTV surveillance. Plainclothes police will also be deployed to prevent criminal activities.
He added that drives will continue against illegal extortion from cattle-laden trucks in the city.
On traffic management, he said additional traffic police have been deployed to ensure smooth vehicular movement, while check posts have been set up at all entry and exit points of the capital.
He also said police will provide escort teams at cattle markets for those carrying large sums of money. Assistance can be sought by calling the national emergency number 999.
Of the additional 7,000 personnel, 2,489 will be deployed at cattle markets until May 28.
Police Headquarters has advised passengers to avoid reckless driving, overtaking and rooftop travel on buses, trains, launches, pick-ups and goods-laden trucks. It also discouraged setting up cattle markets along highways.
Train passengers have been urged to remain alert against stone-throwing incidents and to avoid unsafe vehicles such as Nasimon, Karimon and battery-run vehicles on highways.
Customers have been advised to use banking channels during cattle market transactions, remain cautious about fake currency and conduct transactions through mobile financial services such as bKash, Rocket, UCash and Nagad, while keeping PIN codes confidential.
Emergency contact numbers include Police Headquarters Control Room (01320001300), Highway Police (01320182598), Railway Police (01320177598), River Police (01320169598), RAB (01777720029) and the national emergency service 999.
In addition, BGB personnel have been deployed at key points, including the Elevated Expressway, Mayor Hanif Flyover plaza area and Padma Bridge toll plaza, to ensure smooth movement of passengers.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
