Salahuddin announces tight Eid security measures across Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday announced a comprehensive nationwide security and monitoring plan ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, aimed at ensuring safe travel, market stability and smooth public services during the festive period.

Speaking to journalists after a high-level inter-ministerial meeting at the Secretariat, he said the government has taken “wide-ranging decisions” to guarantee public safety during Eid celebrations. The formal resolutions will be issued soon, he added.

A special monitoring cell has been activated at Police Headquarters and will operate seven days before and seven days after Eid. Emergency hotlines from multiple agencies, including police, fire service, and transport authorities, will remain active throughout the period.

The plan involves coordinated deployment of law enforcement agencies such as police, Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, Ansar and intelligence units to ensure security across highways, cattle markets and transport routes.

According to official data, thousands of cattle markets have been approved nationwide, including those under Dhaka North and South City Corporations. Authorities have been instructed to ensure lighting, CCTV coverage and adequate security at all markets.

To curb extortion during cattle transport, dedicated hotline numbers will be introduced, while law enforcement will use body cameras and intelligence monitoring. The minister said quick action will be taken against any reported harassment.

Road safety measures include speed enforcement using radar guns, emergency repair of highways, and deployment of wreckers. Ferry and launch safety on river routes will also be prioritised.

Workers’ welfare was also addressed, with the minister urging garment factory owners to ensure timely payment of salaries and Eid bonuses.

To ensure fair pricing of sacrificial animal hides, the government will finalise rates in coordination with tannery owners. A free salt distribution programme will be launched to preserve rawhides, supported by awareness campaigns led by religious institutions and government agencies.

Responding to concerns over extortion and border issues, the minister said security operations against criminals are ongoing and that border vigilance has been strengthened under the BGB.

He added that any bilateral border concerns would be addressed through diplomatic channels.