Joynal Abedin Khan :Special security measures have been taken ahead of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year 1422, in the capital and elsewhere across the country.The main venue Ramna Park in the capital has been brought under security blanket engaging a huge contingent of law enforcement personnel including police, Rapid Action battalion (RAB), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and other intelligence agencies.Official sources said, security measures have been tightened during the festival following an intelligence report apprehending possible ‘sabotage’ activities of some militant groups, including Jamaat-ul Mujahedin Bangladesh [JMB].”We have made a ‘security plan’ keeping in mind all the visible and invisible risks,” Asaduzzaman Mia, Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said at a press briefing at the Media Centre in the city on Sunday.Additional forces of police and plainclothes from intelligence agencies will remain alert at Ramna Batamul, Dhaka University campus and Rabindra Sarobar areas to make the effort a success, he said. “Around 22 check posts will be set up at different strategic points in the city with police personnel stationed round the clock,” the DMP boss said,He also said that about 24 close circuit cameras will be installed in and around the Ramna Park and its adjoining areas to ensure foolproof security. “No one will be allowed to enter the venue without proper check-up and there will be metal detectors equipped at entrance and exit points,” he added.The DMP chief also sought all out cooperation from the city dwellers to celebrate the Pahela Baishakh smoothly. “I urge the city dwellers not to carry any kind of arms, explosives, handbags at Ramna Batamul, TSC and its adjoining areas on the day.””Please, don’t smoke in open place and put addresses in the pockets of your children. I request the organisers to finish their cultural or other events of the day by 5:30pm,” he said. Apart from this, DMP suggested to keep off the movement of transport of the road from PG Crossing [BSMMU] to Fisheries Building, from TSC of Dhaka University to Doel Chattar.In the meanwhile, RAB Director General Benjir Ahmed told reporters at Ramna Park in the afternoon that the elite force has taken adequate security measures to avert any untoward incident on the day. A total of 1,700 RAB personnel will be deployed at the key points in the city.City’s Shishu Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Sarak Bhaban, High Court, Shilpakala Academy, State Guest Houses ‘Jamuna’, Sugandha, Birdem Hospital, Dhaka Club, Engineers Institute, Bhashani Road, Kakrail, National Broadcasting Authority and Shahbagh square will remain under outer parameter of security wall, the RAB DG said.Helicopter will roam over Ramna Park area while dog squad also will be deployed to conduct search on suspicious materials, he said.Besides, RAB already set up close circuit televisions (CCTVs) and observation tower at the park, Benjir Ahmed said.”This year, at least 20,000 police and RAB personnel will take position at several points in the capital while BGB will be on standby. Riot police, SWAT and bomb disposal teams will also be on duty. In addition, a sufficient number of water cannons and armoured carriers will be deployed at sensitive points,” he added.Different socio-cultural organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to welcome the Bangla New Year. Streams of people are expected to throng the roads of the capital to join the cultural events to welcome the New Year in a festive mood and say good-bye to the outgoing year.
