PAHELA BAISHAKH SECURITY

Copter patrol, watch tower on celebration venues

Terror attacks apprehended

In a bid to prevent any possible terror attacks in different gatherings on Pahela Baishakh, Bangla New Year celebration, the authorities concerned have arranged an iron-clad security in and around the venues of the functions across the country, sources in the law enforcement and the intelligence agencies said. After taking all necessary security measures, the law enforcement and the intelligence agencies are still apprehending that certain extremist element may get tempted to carryout sabotage attacks on celebrations, the sources added. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told The Independent that they have upgraded security arrangements considering all the possibilities of terror attacks during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations. “We have arranged our security in such a way that our law enforcement agencies could address any kind of attempts to sabotage all festivities marking the Bangla New Year ’s Day,” he said. “We have prohibited wearing of masks and use of ‘vovozela flutes’ in consideration of  providing security for all,” he added. Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Benazir Ahmed informed that they will provide helicopter patrol to scan for any trouble makers down in the celebration areas, especially Ramna Park and Dhanmondi Rabindra Sarobar. “We are ready to ensure security to the people to celebrate the Bangla New Year  Pahela Baishakh peacefully,” he said. The RAB chief said that they will closely monitor the security arrangement through the use of dog squads, close circuit television (CCTV) and plain clothes security personnel, deploying them in and around the celebration venues. “We have already set-up watch tower in Ramna park area to keep watch on any terror attack attempt,” he added. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia on Monday informed that they have taken tight security measures in Dhaka city, especially Shahbagh, Ramna and Suhrawardy Udyan areas, to ensure security during Pahela Baishakh celebration.  “We are setting up close circuit cameras and will monitor all the spots where celebration programmes will be held on the day to avert any unwanted incident,” he said.  “The DMP has imposed a ban on open-air concerts or any other form of cultural events after 5pm on the Pahela Baishakh,” he added.  However, he said, there would be no restrictions on holding indoor cultural functions at ‘safe places’ after 5pm.  At a meeting on law and order on Pahela Baishakh, held recently, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said that vuvuzela, masks, matches and lighters have been banned at this year’s Pahela Baishakh celebrations.  Sources said, different extremists groups and militant organisations may attack and try to sabotage the celebrations of Pahela Baishakh.

PAHELA BAISHAKH SECURITY

Copter patrol, watch tower on celebration venues

Terror attacks apprehended

In a bid to prevent any possible terror attacks in different gatherings on Pahela Baishakh, Bangla New Year celebration, the authorities concerned have arranged an iron-clad security in and around the venues of the functions across the country, sources in the law enforcement and the intelligence agencies said. After taking all necessary security measures, the law enforcement and the intelligence agencies are still apprehending that certain extremist element may get tempted to carryout sabotage attacks on celebrations, the sources added. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told The Independent that they have upgraded security arrangements considering all the possibilities of terror attacks during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations. We have arranged our security in such a way that our law enforcement agencies could address any kind of attempts to sabotage all festivities marking the Bangla New Year s Day, he said. We have prohibited wearing of masks and use of vovozela flutes in consideration of providing security for all, he added. Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Benazir Ahmed informed that they will provide helicopter patrol to scan for any trouble makers down in the celebration areas, especially Ramna Park and Dhanmondi Rabindra Sarobar. We are ready to ensure security to the people to celebrate the Bangla New Year Pahela Baishakh peacefully, he said. The RAB chief said that they will closely monitor the security arrangement through the use of dog squads, close circuit television (CCTV) and plain clothes security personnel, deploying them in and around the celebration venues. We have already set-up watch tower in Ramna park area to keep watch on any terror attack attempt, he added. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia on Monday informed that they have taken tight security measures in Dhaka city, especially Shahbagh, Ramna and Suhrawardy Udyan areas, to ensure security during Pahela Baishakh celebration. We are setting up close circuit cameras and will monitor all the spots where celebration programmes will be held on the day to avert any unwanted incident, he said. The DMP has imposed a ban on open-air concerts or any other form of cultural events after 5pm on the Pahela Baishakh, he added. However, he said, there would be no restrictions on holding indoor cultural functions at safe places after 5pm. At a meeting on law and order on Pahela Baishakh, held recently, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said that vuvuzela, masks, matches and lighters have been banned at this years Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Sources said, different extremists groups and militant organisations may attack and try to sabotage the celebrations of Pahela Baishakh.