Police see no Eid security threat

Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir on Tuesday said law enforcement agencies have not detected any specific security threat surrounding the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, assuring that comprehensive measures are in place to ensure public safety during the holiday travel rush.

The police chief made the remarks while speaking to reporters after inspecting the Gabtoli Inter-District Bus Terminal in the capital around noon.

He said Bangladesh Police had instructed all units across the country to remain vigilant, not only to maintain law and order but also to facilitate a smooth journey for millions of people expected to travel to their hometowns ahead of Eid.
“Bangladesh Police is fully alert.

There will be no compromise in dealing with any criminal activities or untoward incidents,” Fakir said, adding that security arrangements had been strengthened at major transport hubs, highways and terminals.

The IGP said police personnel would also work to manage traffic congestion, which typically intensifies during the mass exodus from Dhaka ahead of the festival.

Addressing the long-standing problem of unauthorised long-distance bus counters operating in narrow streets across the capital, Fakir said directives had already been issued to stop such operations inside residential and congested areas.

He noted that these makeshift counters often worsen traffic congestion and disrupt the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

However, the police chief said removing the counters would require coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders, including transport authorities, city administrators and the public.

To tackle congestion more effectively, Fakir suggested decentralising inter-district bus services rather than concentrating terminals in a few locations.

According to him, establishing additional terminals outside densely populated zones could significantly reduce passenger pressure and traffic bottlenecks in the city.

Highlighting the role of citizens in maintaining order, Fakir emphasised the importance of public awareness and adherence to the law.

“Ignorance of the law cannot be an excuse. Knowing the law is both a citizen’s duty and our responsibility,” he said.

Authorities expect a sharp rise in passenger movement in the coming days as workers and families begin leaving the capital to celebrate Eid with relatives in different parts of the country.