Photo : Messenger
In anticipation of potential political turmoil surrounding the Bangladesh National Party's (BNP) grand rally on Saturday, Nayapaltan, the venue that the main opposition party is adamant about, will be under tight security provided by law enforcement agencies starting today.
The police have already clarified that there will be no rallies on the streets; on the other hand, BNP is adamant about holding a rally in Nayapaltan. Additional police will be deployed in Nayapaltan from Friday morning to prevent any conflicts in such a situation.
Furthermore, law and order forces are implementing special security measures across the entire capital. Special security arrangements will be made around the Paltan and Baitul Mukarram areas of the capital. A security cordon will be established around important areas of the capital from Friday afternoon onwards.
Alongside the police, RAB and members of the Ansar Battalion will also begin their duty. On the next day, October 28, unprecedented security measures are being taken to prevent any kind of chaos in the capital. At least 50,000 law enforcement personnel will be engaged in ensuring security on the day of BNP's grand rally.
Meanwhile, police and RAB checkpoints were set up at various entrances to the capital on Thursday. As part of security enhancements, vehicles bound for Dhaka were subjected to searches.
Biplab Kumar Sarkar, Joint Commissioner (Administration) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), told The Daily Messenger that all political parties seeking permission to hold meetings have been advised to choose open spaces instead of roads to reduce public suffering. This could be an open field. The DMP is urging them to select their own venue.
He said, “Our Dhaka is a mega city. If millions of people gather here, the lives of two and a half crore city dwellers of Dhaka will be disrupted. It will be difficult to transport sick people to the hospital. Considering all aspects, the DMP Commissioner has decided to give this matter the utmost importance for the smooth movement of the city's residents. The parties that want to hold a rally have been asked to do so at a different location instead of on the road. If they apply for an alternative place, the police commissioner will consider whether they will be granted permission or not.”
He further added, "I hope that political parties will think about the common people and consider holding rallies in open spaces instead of on the roads."
BNP has announced its intention to hold the rally in Nayapaltan itself. When asked what the DMP will do if they remain adamant about their decision, the Joint Commissioner said that political leaders often make various statements to motivate their supporters, and they are not taking it into consideration. They will consider what is in accordance with the law.
Biplab Kumar said, “The DMP's ordinance states that permission from the commissioner is required to hold any meeting in Dhaka city. If one does not take permission, it will be against the law. However, I hope that political parties will comply with the law and cooperate with the police. We also want to assist everyone.”
He also mentioned that they have regular security arrangements for Fridays. Since there is a large party gathering the next day and tension surrounds this event, they will increase security. Additionally, special security measures will be taken around the important buildings in the capital from the afternoon onwards.
According to a source from the DMP, a letter was sent to BNP to inquire about seven issues, mentioning two other preferred venues aside from Nayapaltan. In response, BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, informed the police through a signed letter that it is not possible to hold the meeting anywhere other than Nayapaltan.
In such a situation, senior officials convened a meeting. Later, the DMP clarified that they will not allow any kind of gathering on the streets.
In addition, Jamaat has announced that it will hold a rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on Saturday. Regarding Jamaat, the police said that there is no opportunity to grant any concessions to them.
Meanwhile, the ruling Awami League has also informed the police that holding a rally anywhere other than the south gate of Baitul Mukarram is difficult for them.
Senior officials of DMP said that if any initiative is taken without police permission, it will be declared illegal. No more illegal gatherings will be allowed.
On the other hand, strict security measures are being implemented across the capital from Friday morning. Special measures will also be taken around the Nayapaltan central office of BNP. This means full control of Nayapaltan will be in the hands of the police, and they will take action if anyone attempts to hold an illegal gathering.
Similar security measures will be taken in the Baitul Mukarram and Motijheel areas outside Nayapaltan.
RAB and police checkpoints will be set up at the entrances to the capital, such as Signboard, Babu Bazar, Aminbazar, and Abdullahpur. RAB police had checkpoints in these areas yesterday as well.
Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director of RAB's legal and media wing, told The Daily Messenger, “Checkpoints are being operated to prevent anyone from entering the capital with weapons and explosives to foil sabotage.”
In response to a question, he said that RAB will be present in uniform and plainclothes at important points in the capital on Friday.
Dhaka District Police Superintendent Asaduzzaman said that they have deployed additional police in the Savar and Aminbazar areas of the capital and are interrogating and searching suspicious persons.
Messenger/Imran/Disha
