Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will ensure three-tier security around the Amar Ekushey Book Fair premises this year.
Surveillance cameras have already been installed on the surrounding roads.
DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Krishna Pad Roy made the statement while briefing reporters in front of the temporary police control room at Suhrawardy Udyan after inspecting the security arrangements of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair on Tuesday.
Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2021 is scheduled to begin from March 18 and continue till April 14. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, it was not possible to begin the annual month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair on the first day of February this year.
Roy said they would provide flawless security at the book fair. "Irrespective of the weather or situation, there will be the same kind of security measures like every year," he said.
He also said the road has become narrower as development works continue. It is a challenge for police to get the visitors in and out of the book fair properly, he said.
Every visitor will have to enter through an archway at each entrance. The entire area will be under CCTV coverage.
"We're requesting the visitors of Ekushey Book Fair to assist us. Adequate number of uniformed and plainclothes police personnel will be deployed at the fair premises," he added.
The additional commissioner said visitors will have to wear masks to enter the fair venue. Soap water and sanitizer will be available at the entrance as a safety measure.
He hoped that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair would be organized in a safe environment with the cooperation of everyone.
Meanwhile, responding to a reporter's question about attack on publishers at the book fair, he said: "We've increased surveillance keeping in mind the past incidents. We're monitoring whether anyone is committing crimes. We'll take appropriate action if we get the information in time."
He said they are also monitoring whether books that hurt people's feelings are being published.
