Amid the growing sense of insecurity among people and foreigners following Friday’s café terror attack and rumour of more attacks, ‘massive security measures’ have been taken to ensure the peaceful celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr. Law enforcers will keep sharp eyes on diplomatic zones and the places where foreigners and envoys reside, visit and hang on. Besides, they will stay ready round the clock so that they can take prompt action if any one tries to create any problem any where. “Police have been asked to search every vehicle at every entry point of the diplomatic zone. Instruction has also been given to challenge pedestrians if their movements seem suspicious,” senior information officer at the Police Headquarters AKM Quamrul Ahsan told UNB. Dhaka, UNB News Agency Reported.
Besides, he said, security has been tightened in foreign embassies and foreign offices, residences of foreign envoys as well as posh residential hotels to avert any unpleasant incident. “Massive measures have also been taken to ensure foolproof security at key point installations, offices and residential areas of foreign nationals and the hotspots they usually visit,” Quamrul said. He also said police will keep sharp vigil on city roads, mass gatherings, popular spots, restaurants and amusement centers as well as set up check points at important spots to ensure the security and smooth celebrations of the eid. Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) Benazir Ahmed said the government has taken adequate security measurers considering the current situation following the Gulsahn incident.
He said they have also taken measures to ensure the security of Muslim devotees at eid gahas, including the national one, where big congregations will be held on the eid day. Benazir asked the country’s people to remain alert about militant activities and inform law enforcers if they have any information about anything unusual. Masudur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said security has already been beefed up ahead of Ramadan and eid. “But after the Gulshan attack, security has further been strengthened to ensure safety and protection of all nationals. So, there’s no reason to get panicked,” he added. The Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in Bangladesh either on Wednesday or Thursday subject to the sighting of Shawal moon.
At least 28 people, including 20 foreigners and Bangladeshis, six attackers and two senior police officials were killed as terrorists attacked Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant in the city’s Gulshan diplomatic zone on Friday night, creating panic in public mind. To make things worse, rumour has been spread through social media that more attacks will be carried out in the city’s popular spots and markets. “All sorts of techniques will be applied to avert any unpleasant incident in the city,” said another police official wishing anonymity. He said they will also ensure the safety of nearly one million houses that will remain unoccupied in the capital city during the Eid vacation as the residents going to their village homes to celebrate the eid.“Business houses, financial institutions, shopping malls and markets will remain under our surveillance,” the police officer added.
