Staff Reporter :
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzman Mia on Thursday pledged of foolproof security measures to all during the Ekushey book fair that opens today on the Bangla Academy premises in Dhaka University area.
“We have earlier said that no book hurting religious sentiments or containing provocative elements will be allowed in the book fair, but if any such book is found in any stall, then the Bangla Academy authorities will take action,” said the DMP Commissioner in press briefing at the Suhrawardy Udyan after visiting the fair venue on Thursday.
“We are determined to provide security to all writers and publishers,” he said.
Regarding the security measures taken, he said Bangla Academy and adjacent areas will be under the surveillance cameras and law enforcers.
He said, the intelligence team will remain vigil to stop the publication of such books.
Police will take steps to prevent the entry of vendors and installing makeshift shops in and around the book fair.
A special team of police will be deployed at the fair to prevent stalking of female visitors and the offenders will be punished by a mobile court, said the DMP chief.
The DMP Commissioner said a team of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) will remain alert to meet emergencies. Besides, he said, an ‘invisible’ team of police will be deployed in and around the fair venue for any instant action.
Law enforcers, including plainclothes police, DB and SB, will patrol in and around the book fair venue, he added.
People have to enter the fair venue through archways as in previous years and the movement of people will be kept under surveillance through watchtowers.
The whole areas, including Suhrawardy Uddyan, Bangla Academy, Doyel Chattar and Raju Sculpture, will be kept under close circuit cameras, the DMP commissioner added.
Lt Col Imranul Hasan, Commanding Officer of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab)-3, also talked with the journalists about this year’s security measures centering the Book Fair.
“We are monitoring social media platforms to ensure flawless security during the Book Fair,” the RAB official said.
The area from TSC to Doyel Chattor will remain off limits to vehicles for the book fair.The people with motor vehicles entering from the side of Shahbagh can park at Malchattor. On the other hand, those who will enter from the side of High Court will have to park in the Gymnasium area.
The DMP boss also suggested visitors to avoid Karwan Bazar-Shahbagh-TSC route to avoid traffic jam as one side of the road is closed due to construction for metro railway.
