Secure homes before leaving for Eid holidays: DMP issues security guidelines

As part of its preparations to ensure a festive and safe celebration of Eid-ul-Azha, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a set of security guidelines for city residents. 

In a statement today (27 May), DMP said it has taken comprehensive measures to maintain law and order, while also urging citizens and institutions to remain alert and cooperate in ensuring a secure environment.

The guidelines include keeping money, valuables, and important documents in a safe place or with trusted relatives or using a bank locker if needed.

DMP also instructed to inform your neighbors or residents of adjacent flats who will remain in Dhaka before leaving your home and request them to keep an eye on your home while maintaining regular contact with them over the phone.

Tenants must also inform their landlords in advance if they plan to leave the house for Eid, it added.

All the directives from DMP are as follows:

1. Do not transport sacrificial animals in vehicles or boats that are unfit or without fitness certification. Display a banner at the front of the transport/boat indicating the destination or name of the cattle market. Do not overload trucks, launches, or trawlers with animals. Load and unload animals only at designated places.
    
2. Be cautious of pickpocket gangs and scammers at the cattle markets. Do not accept any food or drink from strangers. Be aware of counterfeit currency and be careful during financial transactions. Deposit proceeds from cattle sales in a bank. Use DMP's money escort service when transferring large amounts of cash.
    
3. If you have any information about extortion related to animal transportation or cattle markets, inform the nearest police station.
    
4. Exercise caution when buying sacrificial animals online.
    
5. Strengthen the duty of security guards assigned to homes, apartments, banks, insurance offices, and business establishments. Maintain round-the-clock surveillance to prevent illegal intrusion. Take necessary steps to monitor the overall security system. Instead of granting all staff leave at once, assign some employees to oversee the institution's security.
    
6. Before leaving your home or establishment, securely lock all doors and windows. Use multiple locks if necessary. Repair any weak or broken doors/windows to ensure safety.
    
7. Install an adequate number of CCTV cameras at homes, institutions, and commercial establishments, and ensure they are operational. Use auto-locks and security alarms on main doors. Make sure the surroundings of the house or establishment are well-lit at night.
    
8. Keep money, valuables, and important documents in a safe place or with trusted relatives. Use a bank locker if needed.
    
9. Before leaving your home, inform your neighbors or residents of adjacent flats who will remain in Dhaka and request them to keep an eye on your home. Maintain regular contact with them over the phone.
    
10. Tenants must inform their landlords in advance if they plan to leave the house for Eid.
     
11. Ensure no unauthorized person can enter your home or institution. Instruct and alert the security personnel accordingly. Secure the garage. Cut tree branches near doors or windows to prevent criminals from using them for access.
     
12. Before leaving, make sure all electrical switches (lights, fans, etc.), water taps, and gas stoves are turned off.
     
13. If you notice any suspicious individuals or activities near your home or in your neighborhood, immediately notify the local police outpost or station. Report any unpleasant or suspicious incidents during Eid.
     
14. For travelers – Plan your Eid trip ahead of time. Consider the safety of yourself and your family. Do not urge the driver to speed. Do not travel on bus rooftops or in trucks, pickups, or other freight vehicles at the risk of your life.
     
15. Use zebra crossings or foot overbridges when crossing roads. If unavailable, cross carefully after assessing traffic. Seek police help if needed.
     
16. Do not drive personal vehicles recklessly or go on joyrides. It can be life-threatening. Also, avoid taking food or drinks from strangers.
     
17. To bus owners – Do not allow unlicensed, unskilled, unprofessional, tired, or sick drivers to operate passenger vehicles. Instruct drivers to follow rules and avoid risky overtaking. Do not allow overloading of passengers. Do not run unfit vehicles on the roads.
     
18. To bus drivers – Do not drive recklessly or at excessive speed. Avoid risky overtaking. Do not drive if you're tired, drowsy, or unwell. Always carry your driver's license and necessary documents. Follow police instructions while traveling on regional or national highways.

For Emergency Police Assistance:

• DMP Control Room Numbers: 01320-037845; 01320-037846
• Other numbers: 223381188; 0247119988; 029619999
• National Emergency Service: 999