Security officials have chalked out an elaborate security plan to keep violence and criminal offences in the capital in check – including the ones in the garments sector – ahead of next month’s Eid-ul-Fitr.
According to sources, police and Rab officials have met with the garment factory owners to discuss issues surrounding labour unrest, which usually stems from discontent over wages and Eid bonuses.
In addition, elaborate measures were taken to put shopping malls, important city points and areas of strategic importance – under the capital’s 49 police stations – under a thick security blanket.
To this end, around 106 vigilance teams were formed with the members of different intelligence and security departments. These teams have already started their operations, raiding different city points.
They will keep criminals, extortionists, muggers, snatchers, hustlers and people with police records under close watch, sources said. There will also be increased vigilance in shopping malls and bus, train and launch terminals.
Moreover, the home ministry suggested placing CCTV inside buildings, malls and jewellery shops for constant monitoring. It also suggested keeping watch on security guards in residential areas and informing police before carrying large sums of cash, be it from home or the bank.
Sources said some 52 “special instructions” were given by the police headquarters to field-level officials so they can “provide fool-proof security.”
Monirul Islam, a joint-commissioner of Detective Branch of police, said, “Intelligence teams have combined their efforts to ensure security during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr.”
The decision to bolster security measures was taken at a high-level meeting between the home ministry and law enforcement agencies in the wake of Jamaat-Shibir’s recent spate of violence.
Police suspect unrest might spread in the garments sector before Eid, like in the past, if adequate measures are not taken. From this apprehension, garment owners were advised to keep records of their workers.
The police high command also stressed the need to identify instigators behind garments violence and Jamaat-Shibir men hiding in civilian garbs to thwart attempts to create unrest.
The meeting also suggested being careful about, and taking action against, law officials inclined to be involved in criminal activities.
Shamsul Haque Tuku, the state minister for home affairs, said: “All measures were taken to fend off possible disruptions in the garments sector. However, we have information that Jamaat-Shibir activists might try to create violence and we will remain alert to this effect.”
“Meanwhile, law enforcement officials will remain active to fend off any kind of criminal activities and increase their vigilance in shopping malls and all sensitive areas of the capital.”
