Security beefed up at Shaheed Minar
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner yesterday said a four-tier security measure has been taken surrounding the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital though there is no threat centring this year's International Mother Language Day to be celebrated tomorrow.
Still, police are on high alert, with deployment of 8,000 policemen alongside Rab and other security forces on that day, Asaduzzaman Mia told reporters while visiting the Shaheed Minar.
Alongside the Shaheed Minar area, CCTV cameras have already been set up on the road stretching from New Market to Matsya Bhaban. All will have to pass through a security archway to pay their tributes.
“Only the president, prime minister, cabinet members, speaker, deputy speaker, advisers to the prime minister, opposition leaders and foreign diplomats can enter through the Doyel Chattar entrance,” said the DMP chief, urging city dwellers to use the Palashi intersection.
Legal action will be taken if anyone fails to follow the instruction, Asaduzzaman warned.
The commissioner said last year, leaders and activist of a political party created chaos, harassed police and climbed on the base of the Shaheed Minar wearing shoes, violating DMP's instruction.
Those will be controlled strictly this year, he said.
The area has already been freed from hawkers. Work for cleaning and preparing the Shaheed Minar premises is going on in full swing.
DMP will restrict vehicles on the nearby roads and only vehicles with Dhaka University stickers will be allowed in the area from 8:00pm today. Meanwhile, the Dhaka University authorities gave BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia permission to pay her tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar at the first hours on February 21 after a BNP delegation met Vice Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique yesterday afternoon, Syrul Kabir Khan, a staff of BNP chief's media wing, told The Daily Star.
Khaleda Zia had to take the permission since she is not enjoying any protocol as her party is neither in the government or the opposition at present.
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