The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has deployed additional checkposts across the capital to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.
The move comes as part of intensified security measures in the city, especially against the backdrop of security concerns following the gruesome murder of Sharif Osman Hadi in the capital on 12 December.
The police have also taken special security measures ahead of Christmas, the biggest religious festival of Christian community, to be celebrated on 25 December, and New Year’s Eve on 31 December.
Deteriorating law and order situation and attacks on political opponents in different parts of the country also prompted the measures.
The checkposts in the capital, to be operational from 4pm on Wednesday, will cover strategic locations across various divisions under the city, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman.
The targeted areas include Bosila under Ramna Division, Babubazar under Lalbagh Division, Postogola Bridge, Matuail U-loop and Staff Quarter under Wari Division, Basabo Road (Kamalapur) under Motijheel Division, Gabtoli under Mirpur Division, 300 Feet Road under Gulshan Division, and Abdullahpur Bridge, Kamarpara and Dhaur Bridge under Uttara Division.
Police officers at the checkposts will monitor suspicious activities, verify vehicles and individuals, and prevent untoward incidents.
The measures aim to protect public safety and security in the greater interest of the community, Talebur Rahman said.
He urged city residents to cooperate with police personnel during the operations.
A meeting on security and law and order was held on Wednesday at the Police Headquarters, with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam presiding.
Present at the meeting, leaders of the Christian community expressed satisfaction with security measures taken by the police and thanked the administration.
They expressed optimism that, with cooperation from everyone concerned, Christmas would be celebrated in a festive atmosphere while maintaining religious solemnity, as in previous years.
Welcoming the Christian community leaders, IGP Baharul Alam said Christmas is a universal festival and police were on high alert centring the celebrations.
The IGP expressed hope that, with the existing capacity of Bangladesh Police, Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be celebrated peacefully.
Police would take all necessary measures after reviewing the overall security situation during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Immediate legal action would be taken if any individual or group attempt to disrupt communal harmony by uploading misleading posts, comments or images on social media during the festivities.
Cyber monitoring would be strengthened to prevent the spread of rumours.
The meeting requested concerned authorities to ensure adequate lighting, standby generators or rechargeable lights and the deployment of volunteers under organisers’ arrangements, alongside law enforcers, to ensure security at churches across the country.
Security will also be tightened in all tourist destinations, including Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata, during New Year’s Eve.
Action will be taken against those using loud vehicle horns or driving cars or motorbikes recklessly.
The meeting urged people to seek assistance from the National Emergency Service 999 and concerned beat police officers in case of any emergency.
Among others, Rapid Action Battalion Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman, additional inspectors general and senior officials of Police Headquarters, St Mary’s Cathedral Church parish priest Father Albert Rosario, Bangladesh Christian Association President Nirmal Rosario, Joint Secretary General James Subrata Hazra and Public Relations and Communications Secretary Apu Placid Madhu, and Christian Co-operative Credit Union Limited President Michael John Gomez and Secretary Manju Maria Palma were present.
All police commissioners, range deputy inspectors general and district superintendents of police joined the meeting online.
