Security priority for police personnel guarding Eid prayers

Three policemen stood on a curb near the Foreign Affairs Ministry, looking at worshippers praying on a street leading to Dhaka's National Eidgah on Monday.

Senior CorrespondentKamal Talukder, bdnews24.com
Published : 26 June 2017, 09:56 AM
Updated : 26 June 2017, 10:24 AM

Security preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr seemed tight with numerous personnel guarding the capital city's main prayer congregation.

One of the men on the southwest curb was SI Arshed Ali. He said he wanted to join worshippers at Shahbagh mosque around 10am. "First we ensure security, then we pray."

There was joy all around at the National Eidgah where hundreds had gathered for Eid prayers.

When asked if joining the worshippers is what he wanted to do, the SI said, "Our wishes don't matter when it comes to security. I'll be happy if I can ensure complete security."

Shahbagh Police OC Abul Hasan also could not pray. He was busy fixing positions for personnel under him.

But when it was time to end the special prayer by seeking blessings through 'Munajat', the policemen cupped their palms along with worshippers.

Last year, four including two policemen died on Eid-ul-Fitr after coming under attack from militants armed with bombs and machetes, while they were working in a check post securing Kishoreganj's Sholakia congregation, which was held despite the terror attack.

Securing prayer grounds this year was therefore of utmost priority to law enforcers. A four-tier security scheme was set for the National Eidgah. The first check began a kilometre away from the ground.

The ground was filled up by 8am and people were instructed to stop entering. So people began praying on the street near the National Press Club and the foreign ministry.