The month-long Ekushey Book fair to begin at the Dhaka University (DU) from Friday has been brought under surveillance, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia.
“We have brought the whole fair venue and its adjacent areas under a foolproof security system” said the DMP Commissioner at a press briefing at Suhrawardy Udyan after visiting the book fair venue on Thursday, reports UNB.
"We earlier had said no books hurting religious sentiments or containing provocative elements will be allowed at the book fair. Bangla Academy authorities will take stern action if any such book is found in any stall at the fair," he said.
He said the intelligence team will remain vigil to curb the publication of such books.
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We will also provide personal security to writers and bloggers upon their request, said Asaduzzaman Mia.
Police will take measures to prevent the entry of vendors and setting up of makeshift shops in and around the book fair.
A special team of police will be deployed to check stalking of female visitors and offenders will be punished by a mobile court, said the DMP chief.
Further, a team of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) will remain alert to tackle any militant attack or untoward incident.
An 'invisible' team of police, deployed in and around the fair venue will take instant action if needed for any purpose, he said,
Law enforcers, including plainclothes policemen,Detective Branch (DB) and Special Branch (SB), will patrol in and around the book fair grounds, he added.
Visitors have to enter the fair venue through archways and their movement will be kept under surveillance from watchtowers, like the previous years, and the arrangements will continue till the fair ends, said Asaduzzaman.
The book fair area including Suhrawardy Udyan, Bangla Academy, Doyel Chattar and Raju Sculpture, will be kept under close circuit cameras, the DMP commissioner said.