Security tightened in capital ahead of Victory Day

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and RAB have ramped up security in the capital ahead of the 43rd Victory Day, which will be celebrated tomorrow. 

Motor vehicles were asked to take alternative routes because of a special programme to be attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, other ministers, diplomats, political leaders and freedom fighters. It is scheduled to be held at the Bangabhaban at 12 noon.

A DMP official said traffic flow would be regulated at Zero Point, Gulistan underpass and Rajuk Crossing, and only vehicles using the flyover would be allowed to move. 

“Vehicles running from Ahad Box to Ittefaq Square and from Alico Gap to Dilkusha commercial area will also be regulated. All Rajuk office- and Gulistan-bound buses that travel along Dainik Bangla, EBL Crossing and National Press Club can also take alternative routes. No commercial vehicles will be permitted to move from Dainik Bangla to Rajuk,” he said. 

Except for the guests invited to the National Parade Square, all vehicles were requested to avoid the marked five routes from 7am to 1pm. The routes are Khezur Bagan Crossing-Urojahaj Crossing-Rokeya Sarani to Mirpur 10 Square, Shyamoli Shishumela Crossing-Agargaon Light Crossing to Rokeya Sarani, the new road in front of the prime minister’s office to Agargaon Link road, from Bijoy Sarani Crossing to Urojahaj Crossing, from Crescent Lake to Ganabhaban Crossing, and from the Defence Ministry Gap-Planning Commission to BICC Crossing. 

VVIPs, VIPs and invited guests will start placing floral wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar from 4am. All minibuses, trucks and lorries were asked to take the Gabtoli Aminbazar bridge to Savar road from 4am to 9:30am. 

Dhaka-bound buses from Aricha were asked to enter the capital through the Nabinagar Bazar route while buses from Tangail would take the Kaliakair-Gazipur Sqaure-Tongi route. 

DMP Additional Deputy Commissioner Saidur Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune: “The DMP has taken adequate security measures ahead of the special day for the sake of security. There will be constant vigilance by plainclothes police to avert any criminal activity.”

Meanwhile, RAB officials will also be on alert at key areas of the capital. Security checkpoints will be set up while RAB personnel will patrol to ensure security at victory day arrangements such as meetings and cultural programmes. Security will be tightened at Shaheed Minar, National Martyrs’ Memorial and also entertainment hubs. 

Commander Mufti Mahmud Khan, director of legal and media wing of RAB, told the Dhaka Tribune the force started taking measures to ensure security on Saturday. 

“Officials of all battalions have been instructed to keep programme venues across the country under watch,” he added.