All Eid congregations will remain under security coverage: DMP Commissioner

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjad Ali has said that not a single Eid congregation in the capital will remain outside the purview of security coverage.

He said this after inspecting the security arrangements at the National Eidgah of the capital on Friday.

Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali said, “The main Eid congregation will be held at the National Eidgah at 7:30 am. About 35,000 people will be able to offer Eid prayers here. The Chief Adviser, Chief Justice and other judges, advisers, diplomats from Muslim countries in Dhaka and other important people will offer Eid prayers at the National Eidgah. People will be able to enter the Eid congregation through five gates, including four gates for men and one for women”.

To ensure comprehensive and foolproof security at the National Eidgah, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, and other Eid venues in Dhaka, the DMP has made a coordinated security plan, the commissioner said.

As part of Eid holiday security, 500 patrol teams will be deployed at night and 250 during the day to ensure safety in the relatively empty city.

Regarding the National Eidgah, the DMP chief said there will be four entry gates for male devotees  and one for females.
This year, 118 Eidgahs and 1,621 mosques across Dhaka will host Eid congregations. Additionally, eight Eid jamaats will be held by Shia and Ahmadiyya communities in the city.

Adequate security measures have been taken at the National Eidgah ground. CCTV cameras have already been installed in and around the ground, while a temporary police control room has been set up to monitor security round-the-clock.

Checkposts will be placed at three major entry points to the Eidgah — Matsya Bhaban crossing, in front of the Press Club, and High Court crossing. All musollis must pass through archways and undergo checks with metal detectors and manual frisking at the entry points.

Separate arrangements have been made for female worshippers, including dedicated entrances and security protocols.
The area will be swept by SB’s sweeping team and CTTC’s dog squad ahead of the congregation.

DMP's SWAT and bomb disposal units will remain on standby, while a significant number of DB and CTTC personnel in plainclothes will be deployed to maintain security. A special security perimeter will also be established in the area.

He also urged residents to follow DMP’s guidelines during the Eid holidays and to maintain cleanliness by properly disposing of sacrificial animal waste. 

For any assistance, citizens were asked to contact the national emergency service 999 or the police control room.
Vehicle patrols, foot patrols, and mobile patrol units will be active throughout the Eid holidays to secure the city.