Security beefed up ahead of Pahela Baishakh
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
FE Report
The government has drawn up a foolproof security plan for the celebration of Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year on April 14, to ensure security to the revellers in the city and elsewhere in the country.
"Over 8,000 law enforcers will be deployed in Dhaka alone in addition to the usual strength on the day to ensure peaceful celebration of the Bengali New Year," State Minister for Home Affairs Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj told reporters after a high-level meeting that adopted the security plans for the upcoming Pahela Baishak.
"We don't have specific information about any terrorist threat, but we have taken all-out preparation to provide security to the countrymen," Mr Sohel said.
He said the government has already directed the law enforcing agencies across the country to beef up surveillance to prevent lawlessness during the celebration and added that special initiative has also been taken to supply drinking water and provide toilet facilities to the revellers and ease traffic congestion on the day in the city.
Police teams will rescue and search out for lost children, Mr Sohel said.
Home Minister Sahara Khatun, Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikdar, IGP Nur Mohammad, DG of RAB Hasan Mahmud Khandaker, DMP Commissioner Shahidul Huq and senior officials were present at the meeting at the Home Ministry.
According to the security plan, 5,256 uniformed police and 3,000 RAB (rapid action battalion) members will be on guard to provide security and safety to the people at different venues like Ramna, Dhanmondi and Rabindra Sarobar in the city.
Some 32 close circuit cameras, Archway Metal Detectors and Observation Tower will also be installed around the Ramna Park to avert any terror attack, like the horrible bomb blasts that claimed the lives of 10 people in 2001 celebration of Bengali New Year.
As part of the tight security measures, nine DB (Detective Branch) teams will be engaged in nabbing pickpockets to ensure everyone's participation in the carnival.
Special security will also be provided to 'Mangal Sobhajatra' pageantry traditionally arranged by the students of the Fine Arts Institute of the Dhaka University.
Besides, FBI-trained SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) members will also remain on alert on the day.
The government has drawn up a foolproof security plan for the celebration of Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year on April 14, to ensure security to the revellers in the city and elsewhere in the country.
"Over 8,000 law enforcers will be deployed in Dhaka alone in addition to the usual strength on the day to ensure peaceful celebration of the Bengali New Year," State Minister for Home Affairs Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj told reporters after a high-level meeting that adopted the security plans for the upcoming Pahela Baishak.
"We don't have specific information about any terrorist threat, but we have taken all-out preparation to provide security to the countrymen," Mr Sohel said.
He said the government has already directed the law enforcing agencies across the country to beef up surveillance to prevent lawlessness during the celebration and added that special initiative has also been taken to supply drinking water and provide toilet facilities to the revellers and ease traffic congestion on the day in the city.
Police teams will rescue and search out for lost children, Mr Sohel said.
Home Minister Sahara Khatun, Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikdar, IGP Nur Mohammad, DG of RAB Hasan Mahmud Khandaker, DMP Commissioner Shahidul Huq and senior officials were present at the meeting at the Home Ministry.
According to the security plan, 5,256 uniformed police and 3,000 RAB (rapid action battalion) members will be on guard to provide security and safety to the people at different venues like Ramna, Dhanmondi and Rabindra Sarobar in the city.
Some 32 close circuit cameras, Archway Metal Detectors and Observation Tower will also be installed around the Ramna Park to avert any terror attack, like the horrible bomb blasts that claimed the lives of 10 people in 2001 celebration of Bengali New Year.
As part of the tight security measures, nine DB (Detective Branch) teams will be engaged in nabbing pickpockets to ensure everyone's participation in the carnival.
Special security will also be provided to 'Mangal Sobhajatra' pageantry traditionally arranged by the students of the Fine Arts Institute of the Dhaka University.
Besides, FBI-trained SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) members will also remain on alert on the day.