Photo : Messenger
As October 28 approaches, tensions are on the rise, and there is a growing sense of fear among the public. The opposition alliance, which includes BNP and Jamaat, has called for a general assembly, and this has raised concerns for the government. The ruling Awami League, in response to the perceived threat from BNP and Jamaat, has also scheduled a rally on the same day, adding to the apprehension among the public.
While some of BNP's rallies in Dhaka have been peaceful, intelligence agencies are apprehensive about the potential for violence this time. Field-level intelligence agencies have already issued alerts and have informed the Ministry of Home Affairs about the situation. The Home Ministry has instructed law enforcement officials to be prepared for any contingencies. This has led to a sense of panic in the minds of the general population.
During a high-level meeting of police officials, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun issued a stern warning to all units and instructed them to be fully prepared with all necessary measures. He emphasized the need to make extensive preparations to ensure there is no chaos in Dhaka. Simultaneously, the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Habibur Rahman, has directed police personnel in the police line to maintain a high state of alertness and responsibility in anticipation of the forthcoming challenges during the roll call ceremony.
Regarding this matter, Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Joint Commissioner (Operations), Biplab Kumar Sarkar, has informed The Daily Messenger that the police will not intervene in any manner with peaceful assemblies. However, he emphasized that if there are any attempts to incite sabotage or create chaos during such gatherings, the police will take strict and decisive measures to suppress such activities.
As the national election approaches, the anti-government movement appears to be gaining momentum. A massive gathering is scheduled for October 28 in Dhaka, and leaders from BNP and Jamaat have already declared their intention to bring down the government through this rally. Preparations are being made for this event, with expectations of drawing 10 to 15 lakh people from all over the country to Dhaka. In response to this, the ruling Awami League has also called for a rally.
The announcements of these rallies by both parties have triggered panic and heightened tension in the region. There is even speculation about what might transpire after the ongoing puja. Many are concerned that the peaceful movement thus far may be on the verge of turning violent. The situation is fraught with uncertainty, and the coming days will be closely watched.
Field intelligence agencies are indeed expressing their concerns over the potential for increased political violence after the puja. As a result, law enforcement agencies have been advised to exercise caution and make advanced preparations. There is a worry that government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions may become targets for acts of sabotage.
Joint Commissioner Biplab Kumar Sarkar has shared details of the police's preparations in Dhaka with The Daily Messenger.
Joint Commissioner Biplab Kumar Sarkar emphasized that the police have a history of cooperation with peaceful programs. In the past, there were threats of sabotage, notably around
December 10, and those situations were handled peacefully. The police have prepared for similar scenarios and are ready to respond with the utmost professionalism. Those who attempt to create chaos and anarchy will be dealt with firmly and professionally to maintain law and order.
In response to a question, Biplab Kumar Sarkar mentioned that, before the rally scheduled for the 28th, he will send a letter to the commissioner on behalf of BNP. They will review the available intelligence and then make a decision about whether the rally can proceed and determine its location. It's implied that the decision will be based on the assessment of potential security risks.
He also emphasized that no exemptions will be granted to those who seek to disrupt public order or engage in acts of anarchy, reaffirming the commitment to maintaining law and order.
A police source has reported that during the Police Crime Conference held last Tuesday at the Rajarbagh Police Lines Auditorium in the capital, special instructions were issued to be extremely vigilant in suppressing vandalism and riots.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun emphasized the officials that they should be attentive to preventing any form of anarchy, particularly in the lead-up to the election. Special focus was placed on the recovery of illegal firearms, and it was stressed that any officer leaving their designated area must obtain permission from their supervising officer. These measures indicate a concerted effort to ensure public safety and order during a potentially sensitive time.
Police officials have acknowledged that maintaining law and order during the remaining days of October and early November poses a significant challenge. To address this, various suggestions have been provided to field-level police, including the implementation of comb operations, block red operations, check post searches, and the reinforcement of patrolling.
These efforts are aimed at recovering illegal weapons, apprehending individuals with warrants, and suspects. Force leaves have been canceled, except under exceptional circumstances. Additionally, Officers-in-Charge (OCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been instructed not to leave their respective units without the permission of their senior supervisory officers.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) officials have revealed that they are proactively preparing for the required security measures surrounding potential political movement programs by opposition parties before and after the election schedule. As part of these preparations, 600 policemen are assigned to special duty on a daily basis from members within each barrack, with 300 members on standby in two shifts. This arrangement ensures that they can be deployed to any location within 30 minutes of receiving instructions.
Officials also noted that this directive to keep rapid response units ready extends not only to Dhaka but also to all divisional cities, barracks, and police lines, emphasizing the importance of maintaining security and order across the region in anticipation of political activities.
Messenger/Imran/Disha
