Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjad Ali on Friday said that not a single Eid congregation in the capital will remain outside the purview of security coverage during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.
He said this after inspecting the security arrangements at the National Eidgah of the capital in the morning.
To ensure comprehensive and foolproof security at the National Eidgah, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, and other Eid venues in Dhaka, the DMP has made a coordinated security plan, the commissioner said.
As part of Eid holiday security, 500 patrol teams will be deployed at night and 250 during the day to ensure safety in the relatively empty city.
Regarding the National Eidgah, the DMP chief said there will be four entry gates for male devotees and one for females.
This year, 118 Eidgahs and 1,621 mosques across Dhaka will host Eid congregations. Additionally, eight Eid jamaats will be held by Shia and Ahmadiyya communities in the city.
Adequate security measures have been taken at the National Eidgah ground. CCTV cameras have already been installed in and around the ground, while a temporary police control room has been set up to monitor security round-the-clock.
Checkposts will be placed at three major entry points to the Eidgah — Matsya Bhaban crossing, in front of the Press Club, and High Court crossing. All musollis must pass through archways and undergo checks with metal detectors and manual frisking at the entry points.
Separate arrangements have been made for female worshippers, including dedicated entrances and security protocols.
The area will be swept by SB’s sweeping team and CTTC’s dog squad ahead of the congregation.
DMP`s SWAT and bomb disposal units will remain on standby, while a significant number of DB and CTTC personnel in plainclothes will be deployed to maintain security. A special security perimeter will also be established in the area.
Watchtowers have been installed for real-time observation, and DMP is coordinating with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies to implement all necessary measures.
Similar security measures will be in place at Baitul Mukarram Mosque, while crime divisions of DMP have coordinated with local organizers to ensure adequate security at other Eidgahs in the city.
“No Eid jamaat in the city will be without security coverage,” the commissioner reiterated.
Urging city dwellers to cooperate with security protocols, he requested that no one bring bags, sharp objects, or flammable items to Eid venues.
He also advised attendees to leave in an orderly manner after the prayers and immediately report anything suspicious to nearby police personnel.
He also urged residents to follow DMP’s guidelines during the Eid holidays and to maintain cleanliness by properly disposing of sacrificial animal waste.
For any assistance, citizens were asked to contact the national emergency service 999 or the police control room.
Vehicle patrols, foot patrols, and mobile patrol units will be active throughout the Eid holidays to secure the city.
The commissioner added that even officers who typically remain in offices have been assigned supervisory roles and will be on the ground. Roadside checkpoints will also be in operation.
