Security heightened nationwide ahead of 5 August: Salahuddin

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (3 August) said the government has placed law enforcement and security agencies on high alert ahead of August 5 to ensure public safety and maintain law and order across the country.

"All necessary measures have been taken to ensure a peaceful and secure environment across the country ahead of  5 August ," he said while speaking to journalists at the Home Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat here. 

The heightened security measures are part of routine precautionary steps taken in view of the significance of the day and prevailing security considerations, he said.

Ahmed said the Home Ministry has issued specific directives to police and other security agencies to strengthen vigilance and remain fully prepared to respond to any untoward situation.

As part of the instructions, police vehicles have been directed not to remain unattended, while security personnel have been advised to maintain continuous vigilance to ensure uninterrupted monitoring and rapid response capability.

Ahmed said a high-level coordination meeting involving the government, law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders will be held to review the overall security situation and finalize necessary arrangements for August 5.

The minister also referred to the recent recovery of bomb-like objects in Motijheel and Ashulia, describing the incidents as attempts to create panic and disrupt social harmony. 
He said a coordinated investigation is underway to identify those responsible and determine whether there are any links between the incidents.

Ahmed added that intelligence and law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the activities of banned organizations and certain groups operating from abroad. 

Further details will be disclosed once the ongoing investigations are completed, he said.