Photo: Messenger
Anticipation is steadily mounting surrounding the forthcoming grand rally by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on October 28, as rumours, circulating both online and offline, continue to amplify the excitement.
Against the backdrop of the current scenario, the question of whether the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will grant permission for the rally or if it will require relocation from its originally planned location in Paltan of the capital, still remains unanswered.
However, security measures for that day have already been put in place. At least 50,000 police members have been prepared for deployment, alongside members of five RAB battalions in Dhaka. RAB helicopters will patrol the skies, and starting on October 27, Ansar battalion members will take up duty in crucial locations within the capital, working alongside the police. Additionally, the BGB will be on standby to address any unforeseen situations.
This information has been confirmed after speaking with officials from various law enforcement agencies.
DMP Joint Commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarkar told The Daily Messenger, “DMP's primary duty is to ensure the safety of the general public living in Dhaka. The police do not anticipate any untoward incidents occurring during the BNP rally but will take all necessary steps to guarantee security.”
He informed that the BNP has announced their intention to hold a rally in Paltan. However, the DMP has not yet made a final decision on this matter. Intelligence is currently being analysed, and a decision will be made accordingly.
He further added, "Sufficient police personnel will be assigned to security duties on October 28. In essence, there will be extensive security coverage. All preparations have been completed."
When asked about the rumours circulating online regarding the October 28 rally, he said, "We are aware of this, and appropriate action will be taken."
According to a DMP source, the location for the rally on October 28 has not been determined yet. However, the DMP has consistently supported peaceful assembly. The intelligence analysis is ongoing, and a decision will follow.
During an event on Monday, DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman informed reporters that no decision has been made regarding the BNP's rally. The situation is under analysis, and a decision will be reached accordingly.
According to the police, security arrangements for the October 28 rally have been finalised. At least 50,000 cops will be deployed in Dhaka on that day. Additionally, an adequate number of armoured personnel carriers (APCs), water cannons, and other police equipment will be deployed to address any unforeseen situations. The DMP's SWAT team will also be on hand.
According to sources, special security measures will be implemented in Dhaka's diplomatic area, including Gulshan and Banani, on the day of BNP’s grand rally. This security will comprise both armed police and DMP members. Furthermore, special security will be in place at Paltan, the Press Club, Gulistan, Dainik Bangla, and Motijheel.
According to a police source, the security measures will encompass the area from Malibagh railgate, extending through Mouchak, Paltan, Rajarbagh, Dainik Bangla, and Motijheel. Additionally, it will cover the route from Malibagh railgate through Moghbazar, Shahbag, Matsya Bhaban, and Press Club, ending at Gulistan. In other words, these areas will be under heightened security surveillance.
Police sources also informed that the deployment of police will commence in the afternoon of October 27, and special security measures will be maintained day and night.
Meanwhile, Ansar battalion members will be deployed from the afternoon of October 27. At least 5,000 Ansar battalion members will be stationed around vital installations and areas.
RAB spokesperson Commander Khandaker Al Moin told The Daily Messenger, "RAB will be active in the field on October 28, alongside other law enforcement agencies. Members from five RAB battalions will work to prevent any acts of sabotage on that day. RAB's helicopters will also monitor the situation."
According to an RAB source, at least 5,000 RAB members will be deployed in both uniform and plainclothes.
BGB sources indicate that the BGB will be on standby, prepared for any potential situation. At least 20 platoons of BGB will be ready to respond, just as they were on December 10.
After speaking with various police officers in the capital, it is apparent that strict surveillance measures are in place at present in the police station areas. Plainclothes surveillance is being conducted to monitor any potential sabotage plans around October 28. Operations are underway to apprehend leaders for whom arrest warrants have been issued.
Rafiqul Islam, the OC of Rampura police station, said that vigilance has been heightened around the police station area given the current circumstances. They are on high alert.
On another front, special police surveillance is being observed in Dhaka and its surrounding districts, particularly through the setup of checkpoints on the roads.
Dhaka Range DIG Syed Nurul Islam told The Daily Messenger, “The situation is being closely monitored, and strict instructions have been given to district police. They are fully prepared to prevent any acts of sabotage.”
Dhaka District Police Superintendent Asaduzzaman told The Daily Messenger, “Police officers have been warned and given instructions to remain vigilant in order to prevent any untoward incidents.”
Messenger/Imran/Fardin
