No security threat over Feb 21 observance: DMP Commissioner

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali has said there is no security concern surrounding the observance of February 21 and the paying of tribute to the Language Movement martyrs.

He made the remarks at a press briefing on Friday morning, February 20, at the Central Shaheed Minar premises regarding the security plan for Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day.

The DMP commissioner said the Central Shaheed Minar will be opened to the public around 12:40am after the President, Prime Minister, other state dignitaries and foreign diplomats pay their respects.

He noted that multi-layered security arrangements have been taken considering the expected large gathering on Shaheed Day. Around 15,000 police personnel will be deployed. Other law enforcement agencies, intelligence units and a sufficient number of volunteers will also be on duty.

Sazzat Ali said, in addition to regular police, SWAT, the dog squad, bomb disposal team and crime scene unit will remain on standby at all times. Alongside intelligence surveillance, cyber monitoring has also been strengthened.

Requesting visitors to follow designated routes, he said entry must be through Palashi Mor, Jagannath Hall crossing and Shaheed Minar Road. After paying tribute, visitors will have to exit via Doel Chattar or Chankharpul.

He also urged visitors not to carry any sharp objects or flammable materials in the Shaheed Minar area. For security and traffic discipline, road diversions will be in place in parts of the Dhaka University area from the evening.