The government has decided to implement a 14-day special security circle across the country to mark the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.
This coordinated security operation by law enforcement agencies will span two weeks – seven days before and seven days after the festival – supported by a 24-hour monitoring cell at the Police Headquarters.
The decision was finalised during an inter-ministerial meeting on Tuesday, presided over by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. The meeting issued several directives to bolster security during the Eid commute, at cattle markets, industrial zones, waterways, and key installations.
Ensuring smooth Eid travel
To facilitate a hassle-free journey for homebound citizens, the Roads and Highways Department has been instructed to repair potholes and damaged sections of highways immediately.
To maintain safety, police will use speed guns to control vehicle speeds, keep wreckers prepared for the swift removal of accident-involved vehicles, and enforce a strict ban on old and unfit vehicles.
Additionally, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) has been directed to take special precautionary measures to prevent accidents on waterways.
It was announced that all forces, including the Police, RAB, BGB, Coast Guard, Ansar & VDP, Highway Police, and Metropolitan Police, will work in coordination with the District Administration and various intelligence agencies.
Relevant ministries and agencies will also publish emergency hotline numbers for public assistance.
Security at 4,412 cattle markets
A total of 4,412 cattle markets will be established nationwide this year. This includes 15 markets in the Dhaka North City Corporation, 11 in Dhaka South, 127 in other metropolitan areas, and 4,259 at the district level.
Every market must ensure adequate lighting, CCTV camera installation, and the deployment of Ansar members. Bangladesh Bank and other scheduled banks will provide support at these markets, including the provision of fake note detection machines.
Market lessees and local administrations have also been urged to collect their own detection machines.
Crackdown on extortion and worker payments
Following previous allegations of extortion on vehicles and vessels carrying sacrificial animals, the government has mandated strict monitoring.
Law enforcement officers will be equipped with body-worn cameras, and intelligence personnel in plain clothes will be active on the ground. The Home Minister stated that immediate action will be taken via hotline complaints if any extortion occurs.
To ensure the timely payment of salaries and bonuses to workers in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector, separate meetings were held with representatives from the BGMEA, BKMEA, labour federations, and Bangladesh Bank.
Arrangements will be made to clear the arrears of workers from closed or struggling factories.
Leather preservation, utility services
To maintain the quality of sacrificial animal hides, the government has initiated the distribution of salt worth Tk20 crore free of charge. District Commissioners (DCs) are responsible for ensuring this supply reaches the village level.
A campaign will be conducted through mosques and the Islamic Foundation to ensure salt is applied to hides within two hours of slaughter. Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce will consult with tannery owners to set and publish fair prices for leather.
The government has also issued directives to ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity, gas, and water during the Eid holidays.
Detailed resolutions of the meeting, outlining the specific responsibilities of each agency and relevant hotline numbers, are expected to be published shortly.
