No specific Pahela Baishakh threat: RAB

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Ahsan Habib Palash on Monday said there is no specific security threat centering the Pahela Baishakh celebrations but the elite force remains fully prepared to face any sabotage.

He made the remarks while briefing reporters after visiting security arrangements at Ramna Batamul in the capital on Monday, reports UNB.

To ensure a festive and peaceful environment, RAB has deployed all its 15 battalions across the country.
A total of 308 patrol teams including 181 pickup patrol units and 127 motorcycle patrol teams will remain active in the field until the end of Baishakhi programmes.

Plainclothes intelligence surveillance has also been intensified, he said.

In Dhaka, special security measures have been taken at key venues including Shahbagh, TSC, Suhrawardy Udyan, Rabindra Sarobar, Hatirjheel, Manik Mia Avenue, Bangla Academy and Ramna Batamul.

Checkposts and observation posts have been set up alongside strengthening regular patrols.
To prevent any possible sabotage, bomb disposal units and dog squads are conducting sweeping operations and remain on standby.

Adequate reserve forces, control rooms, foot patrols and CCTV monitoring have also been ensured nationwide.

Strict monitoring is ongoing to prevent the spread of rumours, provocative or false information.
Special measures have also been taken to ensure women’s safety and prevent eve-teasing and harassment at celebration venues, he added.

He called upon all too immediately inform law enforcement agencies if any suspicious activity or security concern is noticed.

Expressing optimism, he said this year’s Pahela Baishakh will be celebrated in a peaceful and festive atmosphere like previous years.