Some 250 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed in and around the venue of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela – nearly four times the number of CCTV cameras from last year – to ensure heightened security this year.
Special security teams comprising members from police, Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar and intelligence agencies will be deployed in and around the venue, which covers the Bangla Academy premises and parts of Suhrawardy Udyan, sources told the Dhaka Tribune.
Security parameter will be larger this year, covering areas adjacent to the fair venue. Besides the cameras, walk-through metal detectors and watch towers will also be set up for security and surveillance, they said.
The fair authorities are very conscious about the security issues this year, said Dr Jalil Ahmed, director of the Bangla Academy and member secretary of the book fair committee.
“We want to ensure security for both the visitors and the participants. We have had meetings with the officials concerned several times in this regard. There is no alternative to these security measures if we want to make this event of international quality,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.
He said an attack during the book fair is the same as an attack on the culture. “Extremists may try to do it again this year. This is why we are putting these security measures in place, so they can’t.”
Along with the special security units – almost double in number than last year – Bangla Academy’s own disciplinary committee members will be in the field working on the security issues as well, Jalil said.
“The CCTV cameras will be installed from Shahbagh to Doyel intersection. A RAB control room will also be set up near the Suhrawardy Udyan gate.”
Police sources also said police are taking special security measures ahead of the fair.
Number of entrance and exit points has been increased this year, they said.
“The number of policemen assigned to the month-long event has been increased; they will be in both uniform and plain clothes inside as well as outside the fair venue,” said Ibrahim Khan, additional deputy commissioner of police in Ramna zone.
“Similarly, police teams will be deployed at areas adjacent to the fair grounds as well, such as Jagannath Hall and Shahid Minar,” he added.
