National Eidgah under six-layer security cover, 15,000 police on Dhaka duty: DMP
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Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have put a six-layer security ring around the National Eidgah for the main Eid-ul-Azha congregation, with 1,500 officers to be deployed at the ground and 15,000 across the capital on Eid day.
DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed laid out the security arrangements at a media briefing at the National Eidgah on Wednesday.
"Taking into account the overall situation, current security conditions, past experience, and possible risks, the DMP has put together a coordinated, technology-driven, multi-layered security plan.”
“A security ring of four to six layers has been formed around the National Eidgah with adequate force deployed," he added.
According to him, the measures in place include special searches at entry points, watchtowers for situation monitoring, drone surveillance, plainclothes intelligence operatives alongside uniformed officers, SWAT, bomb disposal, and counter-terrorism units on standby, Fire Service and Civil Defence teams, emergency medical units, a police sub-control room inside the ground, and a lost and found centre.
Regarding threats, the commissioner said provocative content and misinformation on social media are the main concerns.
"Different kinds of provocative campaigns could be running, including in the cyber space, and we are alert to that. Our cyber patrol team is monitoring around the clock," he added.
He also noted that only 10 to 15 percent of Dhaka's police force have been granted leave due to the enhanced security operations.
‘Arrive Well Ahead Of Time’
The DMP chief urged Muslim devotees attending the Eidgah to arrive well ahead of time, allowing sufficient margin for security checks and to cooperate with police during screening procedures.
"Worshippers coming by car must get off at the road blockades and walk to the Eidgah, using the designated areas to park their vehicles,” he added. “We request everyone to follow the traffic diversions and parking guidelines set up around the National Eidgah."
He also requested people to carry only prayer mats and umbrellas. “No bags, sharp objects or unnecessary metal items should be brought,” he said, adding that worshippers should leave the venue in an orderly manner after the prayer.
He also said special arrangements have been made for empty homes and commercial areas, with intensified patrols, CCTV monitoring, and increased surveillance of banks, ATMs, markets and other key installations.
Cyber Unit ‘Active Against Rumours’
Mosleh Uddin warned that any attempt to spread rumours, provoke unrest or destabilise law and order would be dealt with strictly.
Before the briefing, he inspected the final preparations at the National Eidgah alongside Local Government State Minister Mir Shahe Alam and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam.