Cops asked to thwart attacks on politicians

IGP Anwarul Iqbal sent an emergency message to all deputy inspector generals and superintendents of police to take necessary steps in their respective areas to check violence, especially attacks on the politicians.

Security has been strengthened significantly across the country and in the capital.

Large contingents of police were posted at major intersections in the city since yesterday morning, the last day of the coalition government. Security has also been beefed up at the diplomatic enclave and key points in the capital and elsewhere.

Police sources said 15,000 policemen including Armed Police Battalion personnel are working along with 22,000 members of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to ensure law and order.

The Rapid Action Battalion men are also working to ensure peace and calm.

Requesting the politicians to refrain from any violent programme, the IGP said, "We hope the politicians will act wisely."

Talking to reporters at his office yesterday, he also asked people to cooperate with the police to ensure law and order.