No militant threat: home minister

There is no threat of militant attack centring National Mourning Day today, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal yesterday.

Though there is no such threat, security forces and intelligence agencies are on high alert and have taken strong measures so that no quarter can create any kind of untoward situation, he said.

The home minister was speaking at programme in the capital’s Dhanmondi Rd-32. “We are remaining alert so that no such attack can be carried out,” he added.

Meanwhile at a press briefing, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia said strong security measures have been taken across the capital marking the day.

The nation will observe the day with due respect and solemnity, marking 44th death anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The president, prime minister, dignitaries and people from all strata of life will pay homage to Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Dhanmondi Road-32.

The DMP commissioner said the memorial museum and Banani graveyard will be under CCTV surveillance and a dog squad of DMP will sweep the areas. People coming to Dhanmondi-32 to pay homage to Bangabandhu will be allowed inside once they go through security archways and checking, he added.

He also urged people to cooperate with DMP by not gathering there after paying homage to Father of the Nation.

After VIPs pay homage, others including political leaders and activists will be allowed to go there through Russell Square. They will leave through the west side, the commissioner said.

Security will also be ensured for other programmes, to be held throughout the city today, he added.

DMP ISSUES TRAFFIC GUIDELINE

Traffic movement will be curtailed around Dhanmondi-32 from early today, according to a DMP press release.

Vehicles from Gabtoli to Russell Square-Azimpur will be diverted to Dhanmondi Rd-27 and will go to their respective destinations through Shankar-Jigatola-Science Lab intersections.

Russell Square-bound vehicles from New Market and Science Lab areas will be diverted to Jigatola-Shankar route. Russell Square-bound vehicles from Rainbow-FDC will be diverted to Sonargaon Crossing-Bangla Motor-Shahbagh route.

People coming to Bangabandhu Memorial Museum via Manik Mia Avenue-Dhanmondi-27 must go through the road next to Metro Shopping Mall and make a left turn in front of Ahsania Mission.

Vehicles belonging to President Guard Regiment, Special Security Force, chief of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, inspector general of police and parliamentary secretaries, and other flag-bearing vehicles will park on Dhanmondi Rd-11 (northern and western Part) situated on the north side of Dhanmondi-32 bridge.

Besides, vehicles of political leaders, including MPs, will park on the east and west sides of Dhanmondi-32 bridge.