Security tightened in cityfor new year celebration

FE ReportThe authorities have stepped up security measures in the capital to fend off any possible subversive activities for peaceful celebration of the New Year-2012, DMP (Dhaka Metropolitan Police) Commissioner Benazir Ahmed said. The DMP chief at a press briefing at its media centre Friday requested the city dwellers to observe the occasion in their respective areas in a peaceful manner. As part of the security arrangement, a good number of police men in both plainclothes and uniforms will be deployed at various strategic points in the city to maintain peace. "No outsiders will be allowed to enter the diplomatic zone stretching Gulshan, Baridhara and Banani as well as the Dhaka University campus after 11:00pm Saturday to avert any untoward situation," the DMP boss said, adding that DU students have been requested to carry their respective identity card. "We've taken the highest security measures for the new year celebration. Any kind of obscenity or indiscipline won't be tolerated," he said, adding all bars in the capital will remain closed from 7:00pm on Saturday. Mr Ahmed said eight mobile courts, led by magistrates, with spirit and alcohol detectors will operate to ensure smooth law and order around the city. "If anyone caught with alcohol will be punished through on the spot trial," he said. Without disclosing the exact number of the security officials for the special arrangement, he said people will be allowed to visit hospitals and clinics in the highly restricted areas after proper police checking. The DMP commissioner said the police would take stern action against anybody breaking the laws. 'Some drunken revelers driving recklessly might come out on the city roads and disturb the people. We will take stern action against the reckless drivers. We will arrest them and seize their cars if we find anyone driving in a drunken state,' he added. Meanwhile, authorities of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in a statement said some 5,000 elite force personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order across the country on the night of December 31. Of them, 2,000 RAB members would be posted in the capital while the rest 3,000 across the country. The RAB statement said stringent action would be taken against those trying to buy or sell alcohol or drugs that night. Bomb disposal unit and dog squads of the force would be included in all battalions to meet their demand to ensure safety, the statement added.