The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) staged a show of force in front of key installations across the capital on Saturday afternoon, officials said.
The exercise, held from 4pm to 5pm, covered important locations, including the Chief Adviser’s residence at Jamuna, the Bangladesh Secretariat, the High Court, Bangabhaban, and the Chief Adviser’s office.
Several police officials said the heightened security measures followed recent incidents, including a crude bomb attack at Kaikrail Church on Friday night and the torch procession organised by the Awami League, whose political activities have been declared banned, in Dhanmondi, along with a crude bomb explosion in the same area.
On Saturday morning, senior police officers convened a meeting at DMP Headquarters with Deputy Commissioners of all zones and police station officers.
DMP Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali directed law enforcement personnel to adopt stricter measures to maintain law and order and protect citizens’ lives and property. He also ordered intensified surveillance and patrolling around all critical installations.
The commissioner instructed the police to monitor social media campaigns ahead of the Awami League’s proposed “lockdown” scheduled for 13 November.
Police have also been asked to remain alert to prevent internal conflicts or targeted attacks following the announcement of BNP and Jamaat constituency-based candidates.
Officials at the meeting noted that while the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election has not yet been announced, several political parties have already entered the electoral arena. Frustration among BNP’s denied nominees and alleged efforts by the Awami League to sabotage the election have made the situation sensitive.
To avoid clashes, the commissioner directed the police to exercise extra caution, strengthen coordination among the police units, and enhance intelligence gathering. Special emphasis was placed on increased vigilance at all state installations to ensure security.
Vatara Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Mizanur Rahman and Gandaria Police Station Inspector Manjurul Hasan Masud told reporters in the afternoon that the show of force, carried out on instructions from DMP Headquarters, was primarily intended as a warning to criminals.
