Dhaka,  Tuesday
24 December 2024

Tight security in capital for Ramadan

Imran Ali

Published: 07:50, 12 March 2024

Tight security in capital for Ramadan

Photo : Messenger

During the holy month of Ramadan, the capital city will benefit from heightened security measures spanning from dawn until Iftar, during Tarabih prayers post-Iftar, and through the Sehri period. Dedicated surveillance teams have been deployed to thwart any potential incidents of robbery or snatching, ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors alike. Law enforcement agencies have commenced efforts to ensure the effective implementation of these security measures.

In a simultaneous operation against robbery, RAB-1 has apprehended 31 individuals, further bolstering efforts to maintain law and order in the region.

Following a comprehensive review of security protocols for the upcoming Ramadan period nationwide at the police headquarters, DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman issued directives to senior police officers to reinforce security measures in the capital. In response, Deputy Commissioners of Police from the 8 Divisions of DMP promptly convened meetings with Officer-in-Charges (OCs) to kick-start efforts aimed at ensuring robust security arrangements throughout the city.

During a meeting focused on law and order and traffic management in anticipation of the upcoming Holy Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun issued directives to ensure the safety and joyous atmosphere of the occasions. Orders were given to implement heightened security measures aimed at facilitating peaceful and secure observance of both Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr festivities.

During the meeting, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun instructed police officers to fulfill their duties with dedication and professionalism to guarantee the safety of citizens and facilitate the seamless celebration of the holy Ramadan and Eid. Furthermore, the IGP directed senior police officers to play an active role and maintain vigilance to prevent the movement of vehicles such as Nasimon, Karimon, Bhatvati, etc., on the highways. 

During the meeting, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun reiterated the commitment to the ongoing campaign against fruits and food products contaminated with formalin and other chemical substances. He urged all stakeholders to carry out this campaign responsibly, ensuring the safety of food items consumed by the public. Furthermore, the IGP emphasised that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any member of the police force found guilty of dereliction of duty or unprofessional behavior in handling specific allegations related to this issue.

Decision of Police Headquarters:

During the meeting, it was resolved to implement special security measures aimed at thwarting extortion, terrorism, and criminal activities across the country, including Dhaka city. Law enforcement agencies will intensify efforts to prevent pickpocketing and other illicit activities at railway stations, bus terminals, and launch docks. In major cities nationwide, including Dhaka metropolis, commercial establishments and shopping malls will be equipped with CCTV surveillance to enhance security. Night patrolling will be increased to ensure public safety during late-night shopping and Tarabih prayers, deterring criminal activities. Additionally, police personnel will offer necessary assistance to the public during financial transactions at banks and financial institutions, enhancing overall security and public confidence.

In a bid to facilitate seamless movement of vehicles on highways, police will refrain from conducting vehicle searches unless prompted by specific complaints. Both highway and district police will be deployed on special duty to deter robberies and ease congestion on major thoroughfares.

Furthermore, collaborative efforts will be undertaken with employers, labor leaders, and community police to combat ticket scalping at railway stations, bus terminals, and launch docks, ensuring the safe travel of homebound individuals during Eid celebrations. Security measures will also be heightened at Eid congregations across the country, including the National Eidgah Maidan, to safeguard attendees and ensure a peaceful celebration.

Following the meeting at the police headquarters, DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman convened a session with senior officers of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). During this gathering, he mandated rigorous security measures throughout the capital for the upcoming Ramadan period.

In response to the commissioner's directive, deputy commissioners from the eight divisions of DMP promptly convened meetings with the Officer-in-Charges (OCs) of police stations. During these sessions, essential instructions were relayed to the OCs to ensure effective implementation of the security protocols.

Dr. Khandkar Moeed Uddin Ahmed (Crime), Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, highlighted a surge in incidents of terrorism, extortion, and robbery in various markets and commercial areas during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. These criminal activities have resulted in harassment and distress for both ordinary citizens and businessmen. To address these concerns, the DMP is intensifying security measures across three levels.

Dr. Ahmed announced plans to bolster the existing security apparatus further in the middle of Ramadan to effectively combat these criminal activities and ensure the safety and well-being of the public during this holy period.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Mahfuzur Rahman from RAB-1 revealed a surge in criminal activities perpetrated by robbers, miscreants, and juvenile gangs in the vicinity of the holy month of Ramadan. These perpetrators have been terrorising innocent civilians through stabbing incidents and thefts, targeting various valuables such as private vehicles, money, mobile phones, and gold ornaments.

To address this escalating threat, RAB-1 has ramped up intelligence surveillance efforts to apprehend members of these criminal gangs and bring them to justice. As a result of these operations, organised robbery gangs operating in different areas of the capital have been identified, leading to the arrest of 32 individuals. Rahman affirmed that RAB-1's campaign against criminal activities will persist throughout the entirety of Ramadan to ensure the safety and security of the public.

Messenger/Fameema