Police working 'fantastically', says DMP commissioner

"There's no problem with law and order. Everything is normal," the commissioner says

Amid worries from Dhaka residents about the law situation, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali said that it has been “much improved”.

"Law and order [remains] very good, by the grace of Allah. Aside for some sporadic incidents, no one can bring up a major incident," he said.

"I believe there's no crime except for one or two scattered incidents, mainly muggings of mobile phones. There's no problem with law and order. Everything is normal."

The DMP chief spoke to the media on Thursday at the Central Shaheed Minar during the observance of Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day.

A significant incident occurred in Uttara two days ago, which went viral on Facebook, Sazzat said. "All of the five people involved in the incident have been arrested. We handled it successfully. My officers, force, every one of us regained confidence and worked fantastically."

Asked if there was any risk existed of security at Ekushey February events as some “top criminals” were out on bail, he said: "The area of crime or area of operation of the top criminals out on bail, and paying tributes by placing wreaths at the Shaheed Minar are different things. They [criminals] have no interest here."

"Top criminals have different interests; like extortion and other [crimes]. And we know those who are out on bail. We're tracing them and they're already cornered. It's not like they're totally free and running operations."

Some quarters have “raised questions” about paying respects at the Shaheed Minar from a religious point of view, but that would not be an issue, the DMP commissioner said.

In response to a question about the gathering at the Shaheed Minar, Sazzat requested Dhaka residents to arrive at the site after the VVIPs and VIPs leave the premises.

"We have fixed the time. We believe that the president, chief advisor and other VIPs will be done with their activities by 12:40-12:45 am. Then it will be open to the public."

"Hence, I request everyone to follow the timing. It will reduce their inconvenience as well. The gathering will be smaller. In every way, we'll be able to provide security to all at the event."

Earlier he said that Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day will be observed like other years and a “multilayered security system” will be in place.

"Like every year, the VVIPs and VIPs will place the wreaths to pay their respects. Then, the Palashi end or west side of the Shaheed Minar will be open at 12:40am to the public."

He urged everyone to keep things in order while paying their tributes.

"At some point, a huge crowd usually forms at the Shaheed Minar entrance. We'll be vigilant to ensure that no accidents occur, but at the same time, we humbly request everyone to keep an eye on their own safety, their mobile phone and wallet."

This year the security system contains three or four layers, the DMP chief said. The DMP personnel will be on duty from 5pm and 8pm on Thursday. He noted that DMP officers and force would ensure security in the entire area until 2pm on Friday.

As of now, he saw no “risk” regarding security, said Sazzat.

“There’ll be metal detectors, archway checks and manual body searches. No one will be able to enter the premises carrying flammable objects.”

"Everyone has to be patient as there’s always a huge crowd. Besides, mobile teams will be alert within one kilometre on all four sides of the Shaheed Minar to ensure people’s security.”

DMP Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Sarwar said a kilometre-wide area around the Shaheed Minar was made off-limits to vehicles. “As there’ll be a huge crowd, roads will be closed at seven places.”

“No vehicles will be allowed to move via Shahbagh, Nilkhet, Shahidullah Hall, High Court, Chankharpool, Palashi and Bakshibazar crossings. People cannot enter through these places. They can only reach the Shaheed Minar through Palashi via Jagannath Hall. After paying their tributes, they can leave through the Doel Chattar.”

The additional commissioner said that normally all roads are closed at 6pm. This year the roads will be closed at 8pm or 9pm. “That too, after we check for any protest movement or blockade in the Shahbagh area. If there’s any such programme, we’ll clear it and close the roads around 9pm.”

RAB REMAINS ACTIVE

The Rapid Action Battalion has strengthened the security at the Central Shaheed Minar after reviewing all possible risks and consulting other law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies and the local administration, it said.

RAB has set up observation posts and checkposts, it said in a statement. “Considering security at the Shaheed Minar as the top priority, the bomb disposal unit and dog squad will do the necessary sweeping. Besides, RAB’s special force is always ready to confront any untoward situation,” the statement said.

"Suspects will undergo necessary checks at the checkposts at intersections on different roads leading to the Shaheed Minar to ensure security.”