Tight security for Pahela Baishakh celebration

Rapid Action Battalion personnel gather at DC Hill in Chittagong yesterday to conduct reconnaissance of the area as they will be in charge of security during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations scheduled there for tomorrow.Photo: STAR

A three-tier security measures has been taken for Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year on April 14, deploying around 10,000 Rab and police men in and around the Ramna Park, the main venue of the traditional celebration.
Rab and DMP sources yesterday said, they would install at least 80 CCTVs and set up 19 check-posts and eight archways while the law-enforcers and plain-clothed intelligence personnel would remain vigilant at every point in and around the venue.
DMP Commissioner Shahidul Huq said they made the plan to ensure foolproof security for celebration of the Bangla New Year.
"A total of 6,153 uniformed and plain-clothed policemen from DMP would be deployed at various points", he said adding "No one will be able to enter the venue avoiding checking of the law enforces."
Shahid also said no hawker would be allowed in and around the main venue but only Suhrawardy Uddyan area will be open for them.
At least 60 CCTVs would be installed under Rab while 16 others under DMP at various strategic points, Rab sources said.
When contacted, Col Reza-nur Rahman, additional director general of Rab, said they would deploy around 3,000 Rab men in the city while 7,000 others elsewhere in the country to ensure the foolproof security.
He said 40 CCTVs would be installed in Ramna and Suhrawardy Uddyan areas while 20 others in Dhanmondi Lake area.