Foolproof security during Buddha Purnima: DMP
Amidst media reports on possible terrorist attack during Buddha Purnima celebration, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will take adequate security measures for peaceful celebrations on May 18.
DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia assured foolproof security during a meeting with a delegation of Buddhist community leaders at his office yesterday.
However, the number of celebration venues has been reduced to four from six this year, considering the situation, said a police official who attended the meeting.
Buddha Purnima programmes will be held at four pagodas in Uttara, Bashabo, Badda and Mirpur on May 18. On May 17, a rally from Shahbagh to press club will be escorted by police, community leaders said.
The organisers have been asked to bring the venues under CCTV surveillance, engage volunteers and ensure arrangement of sufficient lights.
Additional policemen in uniform and plainclothes will be deployed at the venues as well as at important city points and establishments.
At the meeting, Monirul Islam, chief of DMP’s Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, said though there are different media reports -- citing foreign intelligence agencies -- of possible attack on that day, there is no specific threat.
Ashoke Barua, executive president of Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, said “We agreed not to arrange any programme at the two pagodas in Banglabazar and Narda area. We have been assured and are satisfied about the security arrangement police has shared with us.”
A delegation of the community will meet Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Javed Patwary, today to request him to ensure security for peaceful celebration of Buddha Purnima across the country, he said.
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