Special security measures have been taken in capital city Dhaka to prevent any untoward situation on the eve of mega event — Lakho Kanthe Sonar Bangla [Sonar Bangla by millions] — to be held at the National Parade Square on March 26, the Independence Day.
Experts of Bangladesh Armed Forces have laid a three-tier and three-dimensional air-ground-water security net in and around the main Parade Square venue where over 300, 000 people will take part in the event.
Besides, Dhaka Metropolitan Police have spread a foolproof security blanket over the city in coordination with all intelligence agencies, including Special Branch, Detective and Criminal Intelligence Division, National Security Intelligence and RAB Intelligence Wing.
“It’ll be a three-dimensional security measure. The armed personnel will be stationed at all strategic points to take control of the venue ground. The military choppers will be kept roaming over the sky of the venue. Besides, the Scuba Divers of Navy will be kept ready with boats and other apparatus in the adjacent rivers and lakes,” said Brigadier General A S M Arif, head of human resource management committee, on Saturday.
He was addressing a press conference held at the National Parade Square to inform the overall preparation for the mega event Lakho Kanthe Sonar Bangla which is going to set a new Guinness World Record.
Brig Arif said, “There will also be a three-tier security measures in the venue. Special check posts will be set up at all 15 entrance gates – 13 at Rokeya Sarani and two at Bijoy Sarani. Apart from it, the people will have to enter the venue through the gates under electronic scanners and sensitive archways. None will be allowed except security pass.”
Elaborating the strategy, DMP Commissioner Benozir Ahmed said: “We have sketched a foolproof security plan involving all units of DMP and other intelligence agencies. We will keep no hole in security arrangement. The police will take all-out measures to prevent any untoward situation.”
“We are also concerned expecting severe traffic congestion in city roads as 5000-6000 buses and other vehicles carrying over 300,000 participants will be parked in the roads adjacent to the venue. So, for security and as well traffic control, we are going to impose restriction on plying vehicles in some city roads,” the DMP Chief said. Brigadier General Ajmal Kabir, Brigadier General Monir Alam, Brigadier General Md. Shorafot Hossain, Lt. Col Kamrul Hasan and Commander M. Nizamul Haque, among others, were also present at the press conference.
The event organisers also said the 43rd Independence Day will be observed singing the national anthem where nationals from home and abroad will also participate in the chorus from their respective localities. Local administrative authorities have been asked to undertake necessary steps to ensure the participation of the mass population outside of Dhaka.
A cultural performance will take place with the participation of nationally acclaimed artistes and musicians with the aid of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The cultural event will start at 8:45 am and continue up until 12 noon. The performance of the national anthem will take place in between the cultural event.
Bangladesh Television will telecast the whole event live while other private television channels will also be able to air it through clean feed. Bangladesh Betar will also conduct live transmission of the event, added the event organiser.
