15,000 police to form 'coordinated' security cordon for Eid congregation: DMP commissioner

In addition to the deployment of 15,000 uniformed police personnel, a “coordinated security cordon” involving various law-enforcing agencies will be established to bolster security at Eid prayer congregations across the capital, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali.

Though there are no apparent security risks, law enforcers will “always remain vigilant” to ensure that no banned groups can carry out their activities, he said.

The DMP chief made the remarks while talking to reporters after inspecting the security arrangements at the National Eidgah on Sunday.

The congregation at the National Eidgah will start at 8:30am on Eid day, with about 35,000 devotees expected to take part in the prayer service. The first of the five Eid congregations at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque will be held at 7am. In case of inclement weather, the congregation at the National Eidgah will be held at 9am at Baitul Mukarram.

Another 1,739 Eid congregations will be held in a total of 111 Eidgahs and 1,577 mosques in the Dhaka metropolitan area.

In addition, the DMP commissioner revealed that three congregations and seven Eid congregations for the Shia community will be held in the capital in line with the festivities in Saudi Arabia.

Sazzat said, “The DMP has taken strong and coordinated measures to ensure the security of Eid congregations across the city. A five-level security blanket will be created to security the National Eidgah grounds.”

“There will be security archways and metal detectors for searches. The entire National Eidgah grounds and the surrounding area will be covered by CCTV [cameras]. About 100 CCTV [cameras] have already been installed, which will be monitored round the clock from the control room.”

He added, “There will be barricades at the three main gates to the Eidgah, where searches will be conducted with archways and metal detectors. There will be a search system with external fences around the Matsya Bhaban, Press Club and Shiksha Bhaban, and the Eidgah grounds.”

“The Eidgah ground and the surrounding areas will be combed by the SB (Special Branch) sweeping team and the CTTC (Counter-terrorism and Transnational Crimes) dog squad. The SWAT and bomb disposal units will be on standby. DB (Detective Branch) and CTTC personnel in plainclothes will be deployed.”

Sazzat also spoke about monitoring from the watchtower and coordination with other law-enforcing agencies responsible for security.

He said, “A request has been made to cooperate in searches in the interest of security. We request you not to bring any kind of bags, sharp objects, flammable materials. Everyone is requested to leave in an orderly manner after the congregation.”

If anyone sees anything suspicious, they should inform the nearest police officer or contact 999 or the police control room if necessary, he said.

In response to a question, the DMP commissioner said that while he was speaking openly about certain security measures for Eid, others had been taken covertly as well.

“There is no risk on Eid. I think we Dhaka residents were very good during the month of Ramadan. Today is the last day of Ramadan. Allah willing, we will be able to spend this day well.”

“Fifteen thousand uniformed police officers will be deployed for the security of the Eid congregation. Along with this, security arrangements have been made in coordination with ATU (Anti-Terrorism Unit), CTTC, and DB. The Bangladesh Army will also be there. We are jointly building a security zone.”

In response to a question regarding talk of the “maliciousness” of the Awami League on social media around Eid, he said: “We are always vigilant. We will always be vigilant so that the Awami League, and also all banned groups cannot conduct any activities.”

Regarding the traffic around the Eid congregation at the National Eidgah, DMP Traffic Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said: “Traffic will be regulated in the National Eidgah grounds and surrounding areas from 6am on Eid day until the Eid prayers are over.”