There are no specific security threats centring the February 21 and the International Mother Language Day in and around the city. Several intelligence agencies have, however, suggested extra vigilance by the law enforcement agencies for smooth observance of the historic day. Talking to the Bangladesh Post on Thursday, an officer of an influential intelligence agency said, “There are no specific threats of terrorist attack… However, we aren’t ruling out any possibilities.”
A senior officer of another specialized unit for combating militancy said that they do not have any specific information of any possible militant threats targeting the February 21. Responding to a question, a leading counter-terrorism expert said, “Militant outfits have not stopped their activities. They’re working secretly.”
“We can say that due to our strong vigilance and special drives, they cannot carry out any terrorist attacks in the country now,” he said. Meanwhile, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General (DG) Benazir Ahmed said that a three-tier security measure has been taken for ensuring security.
RAB will impose their tight security plan dividing the Central Shaheed Minar area into five separate sectors, he said while speaking to reporters on the Shaheed Minar premises on Thursday. "After the 9/11 terror attack, safety and security is just a regular part of our daily life like oxygen… RAB authorities have already taken necessary security measure for the big event,” he said.
The RAB boss said there will be plainclothes RAB personnel and dog squad will be deployed. “We’ll also take adequate security measures for Amar Ekushey programmes in important areas out of the capital and will also closely monitor everything there,” he added. Earlier on Wednesday, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said they have taken four-tier security measures in and around the Central Shaheed Minar.
“Like in the previous years, there will be four-tier security in and around the Central Shaheed Minar this year too. There is no security threat centering the day. We, however, are on the highest alert to avert any untoward incident,” he said.