Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that there is no security threat at the Pohela Boishakh celebrations following the execution of Harkat-ul Jihad al-Islami Bangladesh (HujiB) leader Mufti Hannan and his associates.
He made the statement after visiting the Ramna Batamul area in Dhaka on Thursday, where Pohela Boishakh celebrations are scheduled to be held on Friday.
The minister said: “We have received no glimpse or hint that there will be a threat. We are doing everything that we need to. Our law enforcement officials are hard at work. Intelligence units are also in the field. Both plain-clothes and uniformed security officials will be active during the celebrations across the country.”
In addition, the home minister urged citizens not to carry their bags at the celebrations for security purposes. Photo journalists will be allowed to carry their backpacks, but they must present their IDs at police check posts.
Performers for the Pohela Boishakh celebrations awaiting rehearsals in the Ramna Batamul area on April 13, 2017 Arifur Rahman Rabbi/Dhaka Tribune
Furthermore, only a single passenger will be allowed to ride on motorbikes on Pohela Boishakh, he added.
Minister Asaduzzaman also said that those who came to the celebrations by car should park them in designated areas, while the driver of the vehicle should always stay near it in case it needs to be moved.
Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Haque, Dhaka Metropolitan police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia and other high officials were also present when the minister viewed security measures in the Ramna Batamul area.
DMP's SWAT, bomb disposal unit, and dog squad demonstrated their emergency drills in the home minister’s presence.
Performers for the Pohela Boishakh celebrations awaiting rehearsals in the Ramna Batamul area on April 13, 2017 Arifur Rahman Rabbi/Dhaka Tribune
Furthermore, only a single passenger will be allowed to ride on motorbikes on Pohela Boishakh, he added.
Minister Asaduzzaman also said that those who came to the celebrations by car should park them in designated areas, while the driver of the vehicle should always stay near it in case it needs to be moved.
Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Haque, Dhaka Metropolitan police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia and other high officials were also present when the minister viewed security measures in the Ramna Batamul area.
DMP's SWAT, bomb disposal unit, and dog squad demonstrated their emergency drills in the home minister’s presence.
