No mob threat at Amar Ekushey Book Fair, police on full alert: DMP

Police today (25 February) said there is no threat of mob violence at this year's Amar Ekushey Book Fair, as extensive security measures remain in place to prevent any untoward incidents.

Speaking at a press briefing at Suhrawardy Udyan, Additional Commissioner (Admin) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Sarwar said law enforcement agencies were fully prepared in this regard.

"There is no apprehension of mob violence at the fair. However, police preparedness is in place," he said.

The annual book fair, organised by the Bangla Academy, is being held at Suhrawardy Udyan and adjacent areas of the university campus.

Responding to a question about the possible display of religion-defaming or provocative books, Sarwar said intelligence agencies would maintain strict surveillance to ensure that no such publications entered the fair premises.

He said the Dhaka Metropolitan Police had adopted multilayered security arrangements in and around the venue, including the Bangla Academy and nearby locations.

Uniformed officers have been deployed alongside plainclothes personnel to ensure visitors' safety and prevent unwanted incidents.

A police control room has been set up inside the fairgrounds to monitor the area around the clock.

Approximately 300 CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the venue to maintain constant surveillance.

All entry gates are equipped with metal detectors and archways, while dog squads are conducting regular sweeping operations.

Specialised units of the DMP, including SWAT, the Bomb Disposal Unit, the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit and the Detective Branch (DB), will remain on standby throughout the event.

Additional measures will be enforced at weekends, when larger crowds are expected.

Sarwar said special arrangements had also been made to ensure the safety of women and children.

Facilities at the fair include a lost-and-found centre, breastfeeding corners, childcare centres, primary medical services and ambulances.

On traffic management, he said the traffic division had implemented diversion plans to ease congestion in the University of Dhaka area during the fair.

Heavy vehicles will not be permitted to enter the area.

The road from TSC to Doel Chattar may be opened or closed temporarily depending on crowd pressure.

Visitors have been advised not to wait for transport directly outside the fair gates, but instead to disembark a short distance away and walk to the venue to help reduce congestion.

Police have also issued strict instructions against parking vehicles in unauthorised locations.

Meanwhile, Bangla Academy assured that this year's Amar Ekushey Book Fair will be held in a more organised, inclusive and secure manner from tomorrow (February 26), despite various challenges, with the participation of the highest number of publishers.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the book fair at 2pm.