DMP chief warns against publishing books hurting religious sentiment

Legal action will be taken against the writer and publisher if any book hurting religious sentiment or disrupting communal harmony is published during this year's Amar Ekushey Book Fair, says the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner. Asaduzzaman Mia’s warning came on Tuesday during his inspection of the security measures at the annual event’s venues - Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan - in the capital. He said they have already requested the writers and publishers to no bring out any book that could hurt religious sentiments or instigate communal violence. The commissioner said a committee under Bangla Academy, apart from police detectives, was monitoring the books that were scheduled to be published for the month-long book fair, starting from February 1. “If we receive information on any such book, the committee will evaluate them first. Then, legal measures will follow, if necessary, in line with the law related to the type of crime,” he said.

‘Security beefed up in and around book fair’

Asaduzzaman Mia on Tuesday also said that DMP would provide additional security to any publisher or author, should they need it. “We are taking all necessary measures to ensure foolproof security during this year’s book fair. Both venues will be under CCTV camera coverage and inside beefed up security cordons. “Suhrawardy Udyan will have three entrances and two exits, while Bangla Academy will have two entry and one exit points. Everyone will have to go through metal detector and physical searches. Also, visitors will not be allowed to enter the fair with handbags, backpacks, flammable and sharp materials,” he said. The DMP chief added that fire response, SWAT, and bomb disposal teams will be on standby always.This article was first published in banglatribune.com