DMP announces security measures for Janmashtami; volunteers must wear designated vests
Police will deploy CCTV monitoring, patrol teams, plainclothes intelligence personnel, SWAT and bomb disposal units, while organisers have been asked to follow the designated procession route and alert authorities to suspicious activity.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced enhanced security and traffic measures for Janmashtami, one of the major religious festivals of Hindus, to be observed on 4 September.
Volunteers assigned to security and other duties during the festival must wear designated vests, said DMP Additional Commissioner (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam at a coordination meeting today (27 August).
The meeting at DMP headquarters discussed security, law and order and traffic management for the festival. Authorities decided that the Janmashtami procession must follow the designated route and finish within the scheduled time.
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Extensive security deployment
DMP said adequate police personnel will be deployed, including pickets, patrol teams, CCTV monitoring, foot patrols, rooftop teams, Honda Mobile units, DB and plainclothes intelligence teams, SWAT, bomb disposal units and traffic police.
The authorities also requested organisers to avoid using loudspeakers or microphones during prayer and Azan times, appoint their own volunteers, refrain from carrying bags or bundles during the Rath Yatra and immediately inform police about any suspicious person or object.
Shafiqul Islam said DMP would ensure comprehensive security so Janmashtami can be celebrated safely and peacefully.
He said deputy commissioners of police in each division would hold separate coordination meetings with the respective celebration committees and maintain constant communication.
He urged all agencies involved to properly perform their assigned responsibilities.
Volunteers to wear designated vests
Shafiqul said volunteers working during Janmashtami must wear the designated vests. Plainclothes security personnel and line forces will also be deployed.
He urged organisers and others involved in the celebrations to remain alert around electrical lines to prevent accidents.
DMP Joint Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah presented the overall security plan through a PowerPoint presentation at the meeting.
