Security beefed up at Shaheed Minar

To avert any untoward incident, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken a four-tier security measure at the Central Shaheed Minar and in surrounding areas ahead of the International Mother Language Day on February 21, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah told a press briefing at DMP media centre yesterday.

"About 8,000 policemen in uniforms and 1,000 detectives in plainclothes will be deployed in the areas…vehicular movement on roads will be restricted," said Asaduzzaman, adding that Shahbagh to Shaheed Minar areas will be under CCTV cameras.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

People from different tiers will be allowed to march towards the Shaheed Minar and offer tributes after 12:45am after the President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, cabinet members and foreign diplomats have left the premises, he added.

EXISTS, ENTRANCES, PARKING

Commoners have been urged to use only Palashi intersection for entrance to, and Doyel Chattar and Chankharpul areas for departure from the Shaheed Minar due to the security measures, said the DMP commissioner.

Those wanting to reach Azimpur from Doyel Chattar area will have to use Doyel Chattar-TSC-New Market route.

Police will be on duty at each entrance of Dhaka University, and no vehicles except those carrying DU stickers will be allowed to enter the university campus.

The vehicular movement will remain restricted from 7:00pm on February 20 to 2:00pm on February 21 while the security measures will remain active till 5:00pm on that day, he added.

Vehicles could be parked at the DU gymnasium playground only, said the commissioner, adding that the Dhaka South City Corporation has been tasked with cleaning the area.

Replying to a query on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's visit to the Shaheed Minar, Asaduzzaman said, "otherwise important persons" will be allowed to enter through Doyel Chattar intersection upon request, following the departure of the president, prime minister, ministers and diplomats.