Dhaka made ‘fortress’ ahead of Awami League's National Council

Dhaka is all set to witness almost an unprecedented security ahead of the 20th National Council of the Awami League, police have hinted.

The Suhrawardy Udyan has been made out of bounds for the common people and no unauthorised movements or trespassing will be allowed around the Dhaka University campus ahead of the Oct 22-23 council of the ruling party, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia has confirmed.

After an inspection of the park on Wednesday, he told the media they were taking over security arrangements in the area in line with an SSF directive.

Apart from police, some other agencies and organisations are engaged in wrapping Dhaka in a 'security blanket', he said.

The park will be scanned ‘inch-to-inch’ by Dog Squads from multiple security agencies following which his force would take charge of the park on Oct 21, Mia said.

Mia said after they take over, only authorised people would be allowed in and around the park and all unauthorised movements would be stopped.

He said hawkers and beggars have already been told to stay away from the vicinity and no cart-wheel shop would be allowed to set in and around Dhaka University area until the council concludes.

"We are doing this for the sake of security," he said.

No vehicles will be allowed to enter Shahbagh, Nilkhet, Doyel Chattar and Matsya Bhaban areas.

"These areas will be car-free zones like in Pahela Baishakh," Mia said.

Major diversions have been imposed on traffic movement and the foreign ministry will be blocked to traffic from all sides.

The two days of the council will witness vehicles moving strictly according to DMP direction.

All vehicles to Dhaka University will turn right from the VIP Road.

Once the prime minister is inside the venue, traffic movement on the VIP Road will be normal.

Commuter vehicles from Sylhet and Chittagong will take the Dhaka University route through Mayor Hanif Flyover to their destinations.

Details in Bangla