Tighter security will be enforced to prevent any suspected militants from making any terrorist attacks during the Holy Eid congregation, especially at Eid prayers. Most of the officials who have experiences in combating militancy said it would not be a realistic approach to restrict suspected faces in joining Eid prayers.
Police headquarters have also instructed to enhance additional security arrangement at all the major grounds where Eid prayers would be held. Special attention would be given for those prayer grounds near mazar or shrines. Sources in the law enforcing agencies claimed that intelligence agencies are suspecting that some suicidal members of banned militant organizations may try to carry out terror attacks on the day of Eid or after Eid especially to destabilize and tarnish the image of the current elected government.
Talking to the Bangladesh Post on Monday, Rajshahi Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Shahidullah said, “We are taking additional security measures centering Eid day celebrations in Rajshahi.” Describing his plans for ensuring all out security for entire Rajshahi district, he said, “We planning to execute different security arrangements based on any potential threats.”
Shahidullah continued, “We have special consideration to Eid congregations which are located near any majar or shrines.”Responding to another question, SP Shahidullah said, “We shall allow Eid congregations which are held by the side of any highways.” Meanwhile, Mozammel Haque Additional DIG of Police who is also the commanding officer of RAB-13, has different plans on mind on ensuring safety and security during the Eid congregations.
On the issues of possible threats from militants on the Eid day, he mentioned, “We have advanced thinking on preventing any terrorist attacks during the Eid celebrations and carried our several brain storming based on the intelligence reports. We started our plans about a year ago.” He said, “We are conducting special drives to arrest the militants for the last one year. Many top militants were arrested during this period. We are continuously trying to arrest the fugitives.”
He continued, “We shall deploy forces in civil clothes and in uniforms all important Eid prayers sites. Beside we shall intensify our intelligences monitoring at the Eid congregations, which pose potential threats. The Additional Deputy Inspector General of Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) of Bangladesh Police Md Moniruzzaman, who has a long experience in counter-terrorism, also agrees that it would not be realistic to prevent any suspected faces at the Eid prayer grounds.
Rather he suggested ensuring highest level of alerts and at the same time enhance vigilance. He advised all not to carry anything at the prayer ground except prayer mat (rug0 and umbrella, if it is cloudy or rains. There will be additional security checking at the large Eid congregations including at the national Eid prayer ground in the capital and Sholakia ground in Kishoreganj district where traditionally one of the biggest Eid prayer is held. The DMP officials said more than 10,000 law enforcers have been deployed in the capital to maintain security.
