Security shored up for shutdown, BGB called out

Law-enforcing agencies across Bangladesh have ratcheted up security ahead of the BNP-led coalition's general strike on Monday.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have also been deployed to maintain law and order.

But even as the law enforcers tried to reinforce security arrangements, five people were injured in capital Dhaka in hand-made bomb explosions and the torching of a vehicle.

The BNP and allies called the shutdown in protest against the denial of permission to hold a rally in Gazipur and to press for fresh elections under a non-partisan administration.

The BNP has also protested arrests before the general strike. On the other hand, the ruling Awami League has threatened to hit the streets in order to thwart possible acts of sabotage.

Md Masadur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, spoke about the security arrangements for the second nationwide shutdown called by the BNP-led coalition after the Jan 5 general election.

“Police will remain alert to protect public property and lives,” he told bdnews24.com.

RAB spokesperson Mufti Mahmud Khan said the force was ready for any situation.

“Besides patrolling the streets, RAB personnel will also be out in plain clothes,” he said.

The alliance had called a strike in Gazipur on Saturday after being denied the permission to hold its planned rally.

But not many opposition leaders and activists were seen on the main thoroughfares, while Bangladesh Chhatra League activists and other government supporters took out marches.

On Sunday evening, the before the strike, two persons were injured in bomb explosions at the Dhaka University's TSC and Shahid Minar, while three people sustained burns when an autorickshaw was set alight.

Strangely, the police were unaware of an autorickshaw being torched, although they claimed they were tightening security arrangements.

Mirpur Police Station OC Tanvir Ahmed told bdnews24 that they had not got any information about the fire but were now looking into the incident.