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Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali has said strict security measures will be put in place across the campus for the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election.
At a briefing at the university's TSC premises on Monday evening ahead of the election, he announced that 2,096 police officers will be stationed on campus on Tuesday, the day of the election, reports bdnews24.com.
“To ensure this election is held properly, we have been carrying out policing activities in the Dhaka University area for the past week. This is to prevent any untoward incidents," the commissioner said.
Expressing hope that this year's voting will take place in a festive atmosphere, Sazzat added, "Eight checkpoints will be set up for entry into the Dhaka University area. In addition to security at the eight polling stations, police foot patrols and mobile patrol teams will be posted.”
He continued, "We have equipped our officers with body cameras. Specialised teams, a bomb disposal unit, and SWAT members will be deployed. There will also be a crime scene management team in case any incidents occur.
"Additionally, the Detective Branch (DB) will be deployed in plain clothes, and there will be a CCTV camera monitoring cell. A striking force will be on standby. I will also try to be in the sub-control room at all times.
“In addition to the police force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and other security agencies will also be deployed.”
The commissioner said, "There is no reason to fear for security. We are working in coordination with the Dhaka University authorities."
Referring to a public notice issued earlier by the DMP, the commissioner said: "From 8pm Monday until 12pm on Sept 11, no licensed firearms may be carried in the campus area. The campus will be covered by a blanket of security. If any untoward incidents happen, police officers will be everywhere on campus. We urge everyone to inform the nearest police officer if any unwanted incidents occur."
He also addressed the city dwellers, saying: "Some alternative routes or diversions will be in effect at the Shahbag, High Court, Nilkhet, Shahidullah Hall, and Palashi intersection [on Tuesday]. We kindly request everyone to use these alternative routes for a day."