Tight security ahead of 31st night

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Khandaker Golam Faruq has said that tight security will be ensured in and around the capital on the eve of the 31st night.

"Law enforcement agencies are ready to face any untoward situation centring the New Year celebrations, although no security threat has emerged," he told BSS on Friday.

The DMP chief said that the law enforcers will deal with iron hands if anyone wants to create any untoward situation centring the 31st night.

Talking to BSS, Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) M Khurshid Hossain said that all sorts of security measures have been taken across the country, including Dhaka, to mark the new year as well as the 31st night.

"The security system has been developed to face any kind of unpleasant circumstances. Dog squads, bomb disposal units and other plain-clothes security personnel will also be deployed to ensure security for the city dwellers as well as common people," he said.

"We have been working to thwart any kind of militant activities," he said.

Earlier, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said all bars will remain closed for 24 hours from 6pm on December 31 to 6pm of the next day to avert untoward incidents.

The minister said that intelligence vigilance will be increased throughout the country to avoid any incident. Apart from this, necessary measures were taken to ensure tight security on December 31st night.

He said that concerts can be organised with the permission of the DMP. None will be allowed to create congestion on roads in the name of the concert.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Division of Gulshan under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Friday issued some temporary traffic control measures in order to avoid any untoward incident in the capital on the 31st Night.

According to the directives, Kamal Ataturk Avenue (Kakoli Crossing) and Mohakhali's Amtali Crossing can be used to enter Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara areas from 8pm on December 31 to 5am on January 1.

The city dwellers will not be allowed to use Mohakhali area-Phoenix Road Crossing, Banani No. 11 Road, Chairman Bari intersection, Dhaka Gate, Shooting Club, Badda Link Road, DOHS Baridhara-United Hospital Crossing and Notun Bazar Crossing for entering Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara area from 8 pm onwards.

However, people can use these points to exit the areas.

Besides, diversion will continue at 21 points. They are - Phoenix Crossing, Shanta Crossing, Bot Tola Crossing, GMG Crossing, Old Arang Crossing, Niketan Crossing, Police Plaza Crossing, Masjid Gap, Mayaganj Crossing, Banani Chairman Bari intersection, Banani 11 Road, Shooting Club Crossing, United Hospital Gap, Banani Road No. 23, Dhaka Gate, Manarat Crossing, Notun Bazar Crossing, United Nations Goal Chatwar, Gudaraghat Gap, Badda Link Road and Kalachandpur Gap.

The DMP is seeking the full cooperation of the city dwellers for implementing the measures of traffic to maintain law and order.

In any emergency regarding road usage, people can call DC traffic (Gulshan)-01320044360, ADC traffic (Gulshan) 01320044361, AC traffic (Gulshan Zone)-01320044372, AC traffic (Mohakhali Zone)-01320044375 and AC traffic (Badda Zone)-01320044378.