Gulshan, Baridhara yet to absorb shock

Militant attack

Residents of Gulshan and Baridhara, both diplomatic areas, are still living in fear, even 19 days after the gruesome Gulshan restaurant attack on July 1. Law enforcers have been deployed at all entry points and roads from Gulshan No. 2 to Baridhara to ensure the safety and security of the residents. BGB and RAB members are patrolling the area to assure the public. Public buses are currently not being allowed to ply in the areas surrounding the diplomatic zone, causing severe harassment to the commuters. People, particularly those carrying bags, are being subjected to intensive checking at every entry point in Gulshan and Baridhara. The parks of the area, including Baridhara Park, have been closed for non-residents, and even residents are not being allowed there after evening. The number of rickshaws in the area has also been restricted. A limited number of autorickshaws are plying on the routes of Notunbazar to Gulshan No. 2 and Banani, and from Gulshan No. 2 to Gulshan No. 1. But auto-drivers allege that they have to pay Tk. 200 twice a day to policemen on duty in the area. Local residents claim that the entire area turns into a quiet neighbourhood after sunset, as only a few vehicles belonging to the residents are allowed in the area—that too after undergoing intensive searches at the check posts. Even the once lively restaurants are now deserted after dark, as the recent attack at Holey Artisan Bakery has dealt a big blow to the restaurant business in the area. This correspondent came across two on-duty policemen at UN Road at Baridhara and was asked about his destination. After identifying himself, this correspondent inquired about the security situation in the area. One of the policemen politely replied that it was improving and under control now.
But the other policeman said that people are still worried over the situation and members of the expatriate community do not come out on the streets much. This was evident as the reporter came across only three foreigners in the Baridhara area yesterday evening.
A private security guard in the area said they only feel safe when they carry guns. He added that the movement of people in the diplomatic area has declined after the Gulshan attack where 22 people, including 17 foreigners, were killed. A security guard at Baridhara Park said that the gates of the park are kept locked, and only opened to the local residents between 5pm and dusk. An auto rickshaw driver, who plies between Gulshan No. 2 and No. 1, alleged that the police sometimes take into custody people coming from rural areas carrying luggage, as they cannot give any satisfactory answer to their queries.
 A restaurant worker in Gulshan No. 2 said that their business is facing a downturn after the restaurant attack. The number of customers coming to local eateries for lunch and dinner or holding parties has declined drastically.
When contacted, the officer-in-charge of Gulshan Police Station, Sirajul Islam, said that they have taken sufficient security measures in the area to deal with the situation. Asked whether the situation has improved, the police officer declined to answer and suggested placing the question to his superiors in the department.

Gulshan, Baridhara yet to absorb shock

Militant attack

Residents of Gulshan and Baridhara, both diplomatic areas, are still living in fear, even 19 days after the gruesome Gulshan restaurant attack on July 1. Law enforcers have been deployed at all entry points and roads from Gulshan No. 2 to Baridhara to ensure the safety and security of the residents. BGB and RAB members are patrolling the area to assure the public. Public buses are currently not being allowed to ply in the areas surrounding the diplomatic zone, causing severe harassment to the commuters. People, particularly those carrying bags, are being subjected to intensive checking at every entry point in Gulshan and Baridhara. The parks of the area, including Baridhara Park, have been closed for non-residents, and even residents are not being allowed there after evening. The number of rickshaws in the area has also been restricted. A limited number of autorickshaws are plying on the routes of Notunbazar to Gulshan No. 2 and Banani, and from Gulshan No. 2 to Gulshan No. 1. But auto-drivers allege that they have to pay Tk. 200 twice a day to policemen on duty in the area. Local residents claim that the entire area turns into a quiet neighbourhood after sunset, as only a few vehicles belonging to the residents are allowed in the areathat too after undergoing intensive searches at the check posts. Even the once lively restaurants are now deserted after dark, as the recent attack at Holey Artisan Bakery has dealt a big blow to the restaurant business in the area. This correspondent came across two on-duty policemen at UN Road at Baridhara and was asked about his destination. After identifying himself, this correspondent inquired about the security situation in the area. One of the policemen politely replied that it was improving and under control now. But the other policeman said that people are still worried over the situation and members of the expatriate community do not come out on the streets much. This was evident as the reporter came across only three foreigners in the Baridhara area yesterday evening. A private security guard in the area said they only feel safe when they carry guns. He added that the movement of people in the diplomatic area has declined after the Gulshan attack where 22 people, including 17 foreigners, were killed. A security guard at Baridhara Park said that the gates of the park are kept locked, and only opened to the local residents between 5pm and dusk. An auto rickshaw driver, who plies between Gulshan No. 2 and No. 1, alleged that the police sometimes take into custody people coming from rural areas carrying luggage, as they cannot give any satisfactory answer to their queries. A restaurant worker in Gulshan No. 2 said that their business is facing a downturn after the restaurant attack. The number of customers coming to local eateries for lunch and dinner or holding parties has declined drastically. When contacted, the officer-in-charge of Gulshan Police Station, Sirajul Islam, said that they have taken sufficient security measures in the area to deal with the situation. Asked whether the situation has improved, the police officer declined to answer and suggested placing the question to his superiors in the department.