Security heightened amid crime concerns as Dhaka empties for long Eid vacation

  Highlights:

• DMP deploys 15,000 police, 500 auxiliary force members
• Gold shops, shopping centres identified as high-risk targets
• 600 patrol teams, 75 checkpoints operate round the clock 
• Rab monitors bus terminals, launch stations, and railway

As millions leave Dhaka to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has deployed 15,000 police officers and 500 Auxiliary Force members, supported by 600 patrol teams, across the city to enhance security.

The long holidays, which run from 28 March to 5 April, have left the city vulnerable to crimes such as theft, burglary, and robbery, prompting authorities to implement precautionary measures to protect residents and their properties.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has deployed 15,000 police officers across the city, supported by 600 patrol teams and 75 checkpoints that operate around the clock. 

Additionally, 500 newly recruited Auxiliary Police force members have been mobilised to assist in safeguarding key areas, including residential neighbourhoods, markets, and financial institutions.

DMP Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam said, "15,000 police officers have been assigned to ensure continuous security, allowing the city's residents to celebrate Eid without concerns."

"Our primary focus is on markets and residential areas. To secure these areas, the newly appointed Auxiliary Force is assisting the police. Furthermore, police patrols in residential areas will be increased, and road checkpoints will be set up at key locations," he added.

Additional units engaged 

The DMP police officer further noted that, in addition to regular police, units such as the Public Order Management, Armed Police Battalion, Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit, and Detective Police will also be involved in law enforcement efforts. 

"Special monitoring will be conducted at gold shops in Old Dhaka and other high-risk areas. Security will also be enhanced at entertainment centres, bus terminals, launch ghats, and railway stations."

A senior DMP officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that past analyses have shown an increase in robberies and thefts at gold shops during Eid, sometimes involving security personnel in these crimes. With this experience in mind, security plans have been devised for this year.

Rab will also enhance security throughout the Eid holidays. 

Lt Col Ashikur Rahman, director of the Legal and Media Wing of Rab Headquarters, informed reporters that Rab will monitor bus terminals, launch stations, and railway stations in the capital. In areas lacking CCTV coverage, Rab teams will patrol to prevent theft, mugging, and robbery incidents.