Perform duties with utmost professionalism: IGP tells DMP ahead of state celebrations

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed today directed officers and units of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police to perform their duties with utmost professionalism during the upcoming visit of five heads of state and government to Bangladesh from tomorrow.

These heads of state and government are visiting Bangladesh to attend the 10-day programme marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the country's independence.

The police chief delivered the directives while addressing a security meeting at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium at Rajarbagh in the capital. The meeting was attended by officers of DMP at all levels and representatives of the units.

DMP commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam presided over the ceremony. Moinur Rahman Chowdhury, additional inspector general of police (admin and ops) also spoke during the security brief.

IGP Benazir said the heads of state and government of different countries would come to Dhaka from tomorrow to March 26.

"They are our honoured guests and we have never seen such important guests come to Dhaka together before. Such a visit is a matter of great honour and pride for the country and nation," he said.

"Adequate security measures have been taken for the safety of foreign dignitaries," he said.

The police chief again appealed to the people of the city to restrict their movement, unless it is urgent, for the next 10 days. He also requested everyone not to organise any kind of meeting, assembly procession or meeting during this period.

He declared in an unequivocal voice that the police would not tolerate any such activity if the safety of foreign guests was disrupted.

The IGP directed to crack down on any attempt to disrupt the unique celebration of the people of Bangladesh and asked officers to show zero tolerance in all these cases.

In addition, the IGP instructed all operational commanders to give a thorough briefing to each officer and member about their duties before assuming duty.

DMP commissioner Shafiqul Islam said the DMP would not show any leniency in ensuring the security of this important and historic event in the interest and dignity of the country and the people, as directed by the IGP.

In the morning, Rapid Action Battalion Director General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said the elite force has taken measures to ensure security on water, land and air during the celebration.

In addition, Rab will install their newly launched on-site identification and verification system device at their check posts. The device is capable of identifying names and identities of people just using a fingerprint scanner, said the DG while addressing a views exchange meeting with journalists at the RAB Media Center on the security arrangements for the 10-day event.

He warned that if anyone wants to disrupt law and order, they will be dealt with harshly.

Asked if there were any threats surrounding the celebrations, the Rab DG said there were no threats. "However, we are ready to deal with any untoward incident. We have already completed preparations to avoid any untoward incidents," he added.