Security measures are in place for Eid, no specific threats: DMP chief

Even if there are no pending threats, law enforcers are taking a hard line on militants, Habibur Rahman says

Law enforcers are taking all kinds of security measures for Eid-ul-Azha, even though there are no specific threats of terror attacks, says Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman

The DMP chief’s remarks came after he inspected the security measures at the National Eidgah on Sunday.

The main Eid-ul-Azha prayer congregation is to be held at this Eidgah on Monday. The president, chief justice, other justices, members of the cabinet, diplomats and notable people of various professions will be in attendance.

The police commissioner believes that about 35,000 Muslims will offer prayers at the Eidgah.

Though there have been no specific threats, there will be no concessions regarding the threat of militancy, Rahman said.

"We are taking a hard line with everything in mind."

He noted that security measures are in place at every Eid congregation in the capital.

In addition to uniformed police, there will also be plainclothes officers in the crowd so that no one is able to commit any crimes, he said.

He urged city residents to follow the directions of the law enforcers to regulate traffic around the National Eidgah and to enter the grounds.

In a meeting with the traders on Saturday, the police commissioner also warned of taking strict measures against extortion, influence, and cartels in the sale and purchase of animal skins.

‘RAB IS AT THE READY’

Adequate security measures are being taken across the country for Eid-ul-Azha, says Rapid Action Battalion Director General Harun Or Rashid.

The RAB has taken all kinds of special measures around the large Eid congregations around the country, he told reporters after inspecting the security at the National Eidgah on Sunday.

"Also, we have security arrangements in place around the area-based Eid congregations too," he said.

Dog squads, CC cameras, metal detectors, watchtowers are among the measures taken, the RAB DG said.

Just as RAB officials are working in the fields, the elite force’s personnel are also constantly surveiling cyberspace, he said.

Anyone who makes provocative statements on social media will be swiftly brought to justice, he said.

In response to a question from reporters, Harun said that RAB had been fighting terrorism from the start and had achieved enviable success in suppressing militancy.

No specific threats have been made surrounding Eid-ul-Azha, the RAB chief said.

"However, we have all kinds of measures in place and have prepared with everything in mind."

He warned that anyone manipulating the leather market or trying to skew the market through cartels will be tracked down.

Harun also urged everyone to cooperate so that Eid-ul-Azha could be celebrated in a peaceful and orderly manner.