As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, a nine-day holiday looms, prompting more than half of Dhaka's population to flee to rural areas for family gatherings. However, with the city emptying out, law enforcement agencies face mounting security challenges, particularly as criminal activity tends to spike during this time.
Authorities are on high alert, concerned about potential thefts, robberies, and other crimes that typically surge before and after the festival. The police are focused on preventing gangs, extortionists, and other criminals from exploiting the holiday's disruptions. This year, however, with the police force stretched thin, the government has relied on the support of the military — including the army, navy, and air force — to maintain order.
law enforcement has deployed additional plainclothes officers and intensified surveillance across Dhaka and the country. "We have taken every precaution to secure Dhaka, including increased surveillance, patrols, and check posts," said a police spokesperson
However, they have also urged citizens to take responsibility for the security of their own properties, particularly as many homes, flats, and businesses will remain vacant during the holiday.
While the police presence is heightened, many residents fear that the empty city could invite criminal activity. There are concerns about houses and offices left unguarded, making them prime targets for thieves. The authorities, however, insist that there will be no stone left unturned in the effort to maintain public safety.
Special instructions from the Police Headquarters, DMP and RAB chiefs to ensure overall security during this time of concern have already been reached to the concerned. They will be on the highest alert to ensure security.
DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali said at a press conference, even if there is a police, we have to ensure the security of houses, flats, shops and businesses on our own responsibility while going home on Eid. We are with you, we will manage our own affairs.
Concerned people said that patrols of all forces have been increased at night to prevent various crimes including robbery, robbery and theft. Security arrangements have been taken at various bus, launch and train stations.
Apart from Old Dhaka, there is strict police surveillance in jewelry markets in various areas of the metropolis. Adequate forces have been kept in entertainment centers for security. Security has been strengthened in various markets, shopping malls, raw markets, and warehouses on the occasion of Eid.
Additional police and RAB have been deployed at sensitive places, roads, establishments, markets, bus stands, railway stations, and launch terminals to strengthen security. Special teams of police and RAB are on the ground to catch robbers, snatchers, and unruly parties. They have separate plans to ensure that no crime occurs during Eid. There will be patrols in pickups, microbuses, and motorcycles to control the law and order situation, including increasing check posts, patrols, and intelligence surveillance.
Surveillance will be maintained in Diplomatic and Motijheel area. There will be additional intelligence surveillance at all embassies in Gulshan and Baridhara and adjacent roads. Deputy police commissioners of 8 police divisions and commanders of 5 RAB battalions in the capital will monitor the overall situation in their respective areas.
In addition to the uniformed police, civil police and RAB members will be in the field. There will be additional check posts at all entry and exit points of Dhaka Metropolitan City. This security will be in force centered on Eid.
The Fire Service said that fire service and civil defense teams, rescue boats, divers, firefighting equipment and ambulances have been kept ready for rescue operations in case of sudden accidents on various roads, highways and waterways.
DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md. Nazrul Islam said that additional security measures have been taken centered on Eid. The newly recruited Auxiliary Force (Auxiliary Force) will be responsible for the security of markets and shopping malls this time. 600 police patrols will be in the capital, including markets and residential areas, 24 hours a day. Security will be strengthened by setting up 75 check posts every day at important places. Along with the police station police, 15,000 police of the DMP including APBN, CTTC, DB will work to control law and order during Eid.
Police Headquarters AIG (Media) Enamul Haque Sagar said that all-out preparations have been made by the police so that the people can celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr safely and without any hindrance. The Metropolitan Police, District Police and the police's specialized IFNETs are performing their duties through overall coordination. Police members in plain clothes are also performing their duties. Intelligence surveillance has been increased. Higher authorities are monitoring the overall situation.
RAB's Law and Media Branch Director Lt. Col. Ashikur Rahman said that check posts, patrols, intelligence surveillance have been increased to ensure overall security during Eid. There will be 352 patrols across the country, including 99 patrols in Dhaka. There will be plainclothes surveillance to strengthen security at venues, including large Eid congregations and entertainment centers.
(Translated by Tanvir Raihan)
