Tight security ahead of Pahela Baishakh

The government has tightened security ahead of the celebrations of Pahela Baishakh to avoid a repeat of the 2001 bomb attacks on that day, State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said.

“Adequate security measures have been taken. We do not want a recurrence of 2001,” Kamal said after reviewing the overall arrangements at the Ramna Batamul on Sunday, a day before the Bengali New Year.

Ramna Batamul is the centre of celebrations of the Bengali New Year.

At least 10 people were killed in explosions during celebrations of the Bengali New Year at Ramna Batamul on Apr 14 in 2001.

Kamal said the government had no intelligence about possible sabotage attempts by radicals, but said it was 'better to play safe'.

The junior home minister said the security arrangements had been tightened so people could enjoy the celebrations without fear.

Inspector General of Police Hassan Mahmood Khandker and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Benazir Ahmed accompanied the state minister during the visit.

Earlier, RAB said as many as 8,000 personnel of the elite force would be posted across the country, with 3,000 members stationed in Dhaka to provide security.

Police said they would also beef up security.

DMP Commissioner Ahmed at a press conference on Saturday requested the Dhaka residents to wrap up New Year celebrations before evening.