Dhaka Metropolitan Police will deploy around 27,000 personnel across the capital during Eid-ul-Fitr to strengthen security, prevent crime and manage the massive travel rush as millions of residents leave the city for the holidays.
The force has adopted a comprehensive security and traffic management plan aimed at preventing theft, mugging and robbery during the festive period, according to officials.
Checkpoints will be set up on major roads, while patrols and surveillance will be intensified around shopping centres, transport terminals and residential neighbourhoods.
Traffic and travel management
To ensure smooth travel from Dhaka to other parts of the country, police have also introduced special traffic measures ahead of Eid.
Speaking at a coordination meeting with transport owners and workers on Saturday, acting DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar warned that strict action would be taken against unfit vehicles operating on highways.
“A single broken-down bus can create long traffic congestion,” he said.
He added that carrying passengers on rooftops, overspeeding and allowing sick or unfit drivers to operate vehicles have been strictly prohibited.
Help desks will be set up at major bus terminals to assist travellers, while transport operators will be required to clearly display fare charts and schedules.
Authorities said immediate action will be taken against complaints of overcharging fares, ticket black marketing or passenger harassment.
To handle the surge in passengers, the DMP will deploy an additional 800 to 900 traffic police members at bus terminals, railway stations and launch terminals.
Multiple security units deployed
Security will be strengthened through the deployment of several specialized units, including plainclothes police, the Detective Branch (DB), Counter Terrorism units, SWAT teams and dog squads at major transport hubs.
According to Muhammad Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner of the DMP Media and Public Relations Division, the police force has roughly 34,000 personnel stationed in the capital.
“Because of leave and transfers, about 20% of the members are usually unavailable. The rest remain on duty,” he said.
He added that other law enforcement agencies -- including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Armed Police Battalion (APBn), Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC) and Detective Branch (DB) -- will also assist in maintaining security.
Security for homes during holidays
With many residents leaving Dhaka to celebrate Eid with families outside the city, police have also increased monitoring in residential areas to prevent burglary.
Talebur Rahman said patrol teams and surveillance will be intensified in neighbourhoods where houses are likely to remain vacant.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence has advised residents to take precautions before leaving their homes.
According to Md Shahjahan Sikder, media officer of the Fire Service, residents should keep valuables such as cash, jewellery, passports, land documents and academic certificates secure.
He also advised people to switch off gas, electricity and water lines and ensure doors and windows are properly locked before leaving.
Residents using smart locks connected to mobile phones may receive alerts if doors are tampered with, he said.
Upon returning home, Sikder advised residents to ventilate the kitchen first and check for possible gas leaks before lighting stoves.
Money escort service
Dhaka Metropolitan Police has also urged businesses and individuals transporting large amounts of cash, gold or other valuables to use its money escort service.
Under this service, trained police members provide security for valuables being transported from one location to another, reducing the risk of robbery or snatching.
Those interested can contact the service in advance through 01320-037845 and 01320-037846.
Safety advice for travellers
In a separate advisory, Bangladesh Police Headquarters urged travellers to plan their journeys in advance and prioritize safety during Eid travel.
Passengers were advised not to pressure drivers to overspeed and to avoid travelling on bus rooftops or on goods vehicles such as trucks and pickups.
Drivers were also instructed not to drive while fatigued or ill and to carry valid driving licences and documents.
Authorities said travellers can seek assistance through the control rooms of Bangladesh Police, highway police, railway police, naval police and the Rapid Action Battalion if needed during their journey.