Staff Reporter :
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has restricted 25 points of different roads for a few hours ahead of the ‘Ulema-Mashayekh Grand Conference’ marking the 42nd founding anniversary of the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh (IFB) at Suhrawardy Udyan this (Thursday) afternoon.
Tight security measures have been taken in and around the venue as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the conference as the chief guest at 3:00pm, said DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah in a press briefing on Wednesday.
Vehicles will not be allowed to move through 25 points in the city from 12:00pm, while both sides of the road from Shahbagh to Matsya Bhaban and Doyel Chattar will remain suspended from 10:30am, the DMP Commissioner said.
The bar will be withdrawn as soon as the Bangladesh Islamic Foundation conference ends, the police official said.
The Suhrawardy Udyan and its surrounding areas will be monitored through CCTV cameras operated from three makeshift control rooms. The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and bomb disposal unit members will remain alert around the venue, the DMP chief said. Police personnel will check everyone entering the venue through five entry points with metal detectors, he said. “Around 2,500 additional vehicles will enter Dhaka carrying over 200,000 people from across the country to join the rally. A team of six khatibs and imams of Saudi Arabia’s Masjid-al-Haraam and Masjid-e-Nababi will take part in the conference,” the Police Commissioner said. Participants have to carry the invitation cards provided by the Islamic Foundation, he said asking others not to crowd the zone. “Traffic congestion may occur as many roads will remain blocked. We request city dwellers not to travel around the Udyan unnecessarily. Please do not go to New Market, Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, Gausia, Elephant Road and other adjacent markets if it is not urgent,” he added.
The restricted points are Bijoy Sarani crossing, Khamarbari, Bangla Motor, Moghbazar, Poribagh, Sakurar Goli, Police Bhaban crossing, Shobji Bagan Crossing, eastern side of Mintu Road, Officer’s Club, Kakrail Church, Lane to Shilpakala, lane to ACC office, Carpet lane, Matsya Bhaban, Kadom Foara, High Court, Shahidullah Hall, Bakshi Bazar Crossing, Palashi Crossing, Nilkhet Crossing, Romana Intersection, Kataban Crossing, Shahbagh and Aziz Super Market.
