Bangladesh Police tightened security for official vehicles nationwide on Saturday following intelligence reports of possible sabotage, Detective Branch (DB) Chief of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Shafiqul Islam said on Sunday.
The clarification came on Sunday after journalists asked the DB Chief about the nationwide highest alert issued by Police Headquarters a day earlier.
Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre, Shafiqul Islam said the directive was purely precautionary and aimed at ensuring the safety of police personnel and official vehicles.
"Recent bomb-related incidents and attempts to spread panic prompted senior officers to instruct field units to exercise greater vigilance," he said.
He added that police officers are responsible for safeguarding both themselves and government assets, and the latest directive simply reinforces existing security protocols.
"We are always alert. In light of the recent bomb scares, we have further strengthened our vigilance," the DB chief said.
On Saturday, Police Headquarters issued a nationwide highest alert after intelligence agencies warned of possible attacks on police vehicles, including jeeps, pickups and buses, by extremist members or other miscreants. Following the warning, all metropolitan, range, district and specialised police units were instructed to immediately tighten security.
The emergency directive stressed that there should be no lapse in ensuring the security of police vehicles, whether on duty or parked after duty hours.
It instructed officers to park vehicles only in secure locations during temporary stops and ensure they remain under constant supervision. Police vehicles must not be left unattended or without the designated driver or responsible officer under any circumstances.
The directive also called for enhanced security for all government vehicles stationed at police stations, police lines, office compounds and other designated facilities after duty hours. It further instructed units to intensify patrols, strengthen surveillance and remain alert to any suspicious persons or objects.
Describing the matter as "highly important," Police Headquarters directed all metropolitan, range, district and specialised units to strictly implement the security measures.