In the face of the ongoing blockade-related violent attacks, the government has taken full-proof security measures on and around the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka University to observe International Mother Language Day tomorrow.
Members of the elite force, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), were deployed in the area yesterday.
They have already installed a number of CCTV cameras and check posts, and brought in dog squads to prevent subversive acts.
“The force has taken up a three-day security measure at the Shaheed Minar to ensure security, considering the countrywide violence,” RAB chief Benazir Ahmed told reporters during a visit to the main venue of the Amar Ekushey programmes.
He said the elite force would keep a close eye in and around the area. The force has already installed CCTV cameras while the battalion’s striking force has been kept ready for any emergency situation.
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Leader of the Opposition Rawshan Ershad will place wreaths at the Shaheed Minar in the wee hours.
Alongside uniformed RAB and police members, there will be officials from intelligence agencies in plain clothes to monitor that everything goes smoothly. Patrol by law enforcers has also been intensified.
In a separate briefing at the DMP headquarters, Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah said police would start work at the Shaheed Minar from 7pm today.
“Only vehicles with Dhaka University stickers will be allowed to enter the campus, while others will have to take alternative routes,” he said.
Asked if the BNP had contacted the police regarding Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s visit to the Shaheed Minar, the DMP chief answered in the negative.
He mentioned the rules that say first the president will pay tribute, and then the prime minister, the opposition leader and the parliament speaker. After them, other political parties and social organisations will be allowed to place floral tributes.
“If anyone wants to go to the Shaheed Minar to pay tribute, then the law enforcers will help them,” he said.
Meanwhile, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique has urged people of all strata, including university staff, teachers, and students, to observe the day peacefully.
In a press statement yesterday, he said, like every year, DU authorities had issued a route map for the people to pay tribute. “A central coordination committee and a sub-committee have been formed to ensure peaceful observance of the day.”
In a separate statement, central coordination committee chief Prof Farid Uddin Ahmed asked all to not enter the Shaheed Minar with banners, festoons, and flowers. He also said individuals and groups should not start moving towards the Shaheed Minar until an announcement came from the stage.
Entrances, exits
Those going to the Shaheed Minar from New Market and adjacent areas will have to go left from the Eden College intersection towards Jagannath Hall. Meanwhile, from Chankharpool intersection and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, people need to cross Bakshibazar intersection and head to Jagannath Hall through Palashi and Fuller Road.
From Shahbagh, people would have to go to the Nilkhet intersection, turn left and move towards Jagannath Hall.
The roads from TSC to Bakshibazar intersection, including those towards the Shaheed Minar, and the one from the VC’s residence to Fuller Road intersection will remain closed.
While leaving the Shaheed Minar, people will have to use roads leading to Doyel Chattar and Chankharpool intersection.
