Strengthened
security measures will be enforced in the capital and elsewhere across
the country for a smooth celebration of the thirty-first night, the last
spell of time approaching January 1, 2017.
"The whole capital
will be brought under security blanket with the deployment of as many as
10,000 members of law enforcement agencies both in uniform and plain
cloth on the 31st night in Dhaka to avert any untoward incident," DMP
Commissioner Mohammad Asaduzzaman Miah said.
"No activities which
go against our culture, values and heritages of our country won't be
tolerated in the name of 31st night celebration," he told journalists.
Replying
to a query, the DMP commissioner said there is no fear of any
terrorists or militant attacks on the eve of the occasion, but the
concerned security authorities would remain alert about this.
Fireworks and open air concerts or cultural programs are not allowed on the 31st night, he added.
Talking
to BSS, RAB Legal and Media Wing Director Commander Mufti Mohammad
Mahmud Khan said, "Different important establishments, diplomatic
enclaves, public university campuses and posh areas will be brought
under a security blanket with the deployment of additional members of
anti-crime elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) with other forces."
He
said check posts have been set up at the strategic points including
every entry and exit points of the capital city and several
closed-circuit camera televisions (CCTVs) have been installed to make
the security foolproof.
Meanwhile, the DMP has restricted holding indoor New Year gatherings on security grounds.
An
official website of the DMP said "No bars will be kept open after 6:00
pm on December 31." Showing security reason, it also mentioned that none
would be allowed to bring their licensed firearms at any restaurant,
hotel and any programmes from 8:00pm of 31st December to 5:00am on
January 1.
Besides, any party or cultural programme will not be
allowed on any open space in the capital on the 31st night. The
residents of Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara were asked to return to their
own areas by 8:00 pm. Additional forces of police, RAB and plainclothes
from intelligence agencies will ensure their vigilance in some city
areas particularly, Dhaka University (DU), diplomatic zones, Rabindra
Sarobar and Hatirjheel, for a peaceful celebration of the 31st night.
BSS/QH
