Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the government has intensified nationwide security arrangements ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, maintaining a strict “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism, drugs, extortion and other criminal activities.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the National Operation Monitoring Centre at Bangladesh Police Headquarters in Dhaka, the minister said law enforcement agencies across the country have been placed on high alert to ensure public safety and maintain law and order during the Eid holidays.
He said the Central Monitoring Cell has been strengthened from seven days before Eid until seven days after the festival to ensure constant surveillance and quick response to emergencies.
According to the minister, major highways, cattle markets, the Jamuna Bridge, Padma Bridge and important expressways are now under round-the-clock monitoring. In areas lacking CCTV coverage, police members are being equipped with body cameras to improve security monitoring and accountability.
The minister said the number of road accidents this year has declined compared to previous years, although some incidents were caused by reckless travel practices. Referring to a recent accident involving passengers travelling on top of a truck in Naogaon, he urged people to remain careful while travelling during Eid.
On illegal cattle markets, Salahuddin Ahmed said authorities are taking strict action to stop unauthorised operations. He noted that an illegal cattle market set up beneath the metro rail line in Mirpur was shut down immediately.
To prevent circulation of counterfeit currency during Eid trading, fake note detection machines have been installed at cattle markets in coordination with Bangladesh Bank, commercial banks and police authorities.
The minister also warned of tough action against criminal groups following recent attacks on police and RAB personnel in Narayanganj and Jangal Salimpur in Chattogram. He said coordinated operations in Jangal Salimpur led to the arrest of several notorious criminals and recovery of a large quantity of weapons.
He further announced plans to establish a major security and administrative hub in the area, including facilities for police and RAB training, sports complexes and prison infrastructure.
Regarding long traffic queues at the Jamuna Bridge toll plaza, the minister said the government is considering automated digital toll collection systems to ease congestion during busy travel periods.
He also said action would be taken within 24 hours against those involved in alleged drug trafficking and attacks on journalists in Savar, adding that three police personnel had already been withdrawn over the incident.
.jpg "Measles-related deaths surpass 600 in Bangladesh")
