Staff Reporter :
Law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to tackle any form of sabotage, including hartals, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali has said.
“If anyone, including the banned organization Chhatra League, attempts to carry out sabotage through hartals or other programmes, it will be strictly suppressed,” the DMP chief told reporters on Friday after inspecting security measures taken by the DMP at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair grounds at Suhrawardy Udyan.
He added: “Several members of the banned Chhatra League have already been arrested and we are keeping a close watch on criminals who have recently been released on bail from different districts.”
Regarding security at the book fair, he said: “The DMP has taken extensive security measures. A police control room has been set up to monitor the fair and its surroundings.”
He continued: “Regular intelligence surveillance will be in place, and multiple layers of security checks will be conducted at entry points.
Continuous security arrangements, including watchtowers, have been made both inside and outside the fair. “Apart from the DMP, intelligence agencies will also be engaged in maintaining security. The TSC-Doel Chattar route will not remain closed at all times-it will sometimes be open and sometimes closed.
“To prevent any issues at night, we have arranged for searchlights. No heavy vehicles will be allowed to operate during the fair, and measures will be taken to ensure hawkers do not create disorder. We will also monitor food courts to prevent overpricing.”
Addressing concerns about provocative materials, he said: “The Bangla Academy has been instructed to ensure that no provocative books are available at the fair.”
Urging the public to avoid protesting on the streets, he acknowledged traffic problems and said: “I admit that the traffic system is fragile. I urge people not to block roads over minor demands. We do not want to harm anyone, nor do we wish to be harmed.”
Addressing journalists, he said: “Your work and we share the same goal-public service. Please do not publish any news that may create unnecessary panic among the public.”
