Dhaka residents leaving the city for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr will be able to keep their valuable belongings in police custody if needed, said the Acting Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Md Sarwar.
He made the announcement at a press conference on Sunday.
Sarwar said the DMP has adopted a special security plan to ensure the safety of city residents during the Eid holidays. Special security arrangements have been put in place at four major bus terminals, one launch terminal and the railway station in the capital.
Alongside uniformed police officers, members of the detective branch will also be deployed to ensure passenger safety.
He added that mobile courts are being conducted in coordination with judicial and executive magistrates to prevent overcharging of fares, ticket black marketing and harassment of passengers.
According to the acting DMP commissioner, special drives are being carried out across the capital to maintain law and order ahead of Eid. Regular block raids and operations are being conducted against snatchers, drug traffickers and members of juvenile gangs.
The Acting DMP Commissioner Sarwar noted that the capital usually becomes largely empty during the Eid holidays, which criminals sometimes attempt to exploit. To prevent such activities, police patrols will be intensified and additional checkpoints will be set up across the city. Residential, commercial and diplomatic areas will also remain under special surveillance.
He further said that several specialised units, including the Armed Police Battalion, dog squad, SWAT team, bomb disposal unit and mounted police, will be deployed to strengthen security.
Sarwar also said residents who do not have anyone to look after their homes during the holidays can keep valuable items, including gold ornaments, safely at nearby police stations if necessary. He urged citizens not to hesitate to seek police assistance when needed.
He also advised residents to ensure that doors and windows are properly locked before leaving their homes for Eid, keep CCTV cameras operational and maintain adequate lighting around their houses.
He said, to ensure smooth passenger movement during the Eid holidays, the operation of trucks, lorries, and covered vans, except those carrying essential goods, will remain suspended for three days before and three days after Eid.
