'Security comparable to Argentina-Nigeria match'

The security arrangements for today's World Cup qualifier between Bangladesh and Australia at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) could be compared only to the one taken for the friendly between Argentina and Nigeria, hosted at the same venue in 2011, said Sheikh Mohammad Maruf Hasan, DIG of Police.

The high official of police said 'four-layer security arrangement' has been ensured by the security team, in accordance with FIFA's recommendations and in co-ordination with the Bangladesh Football Federation and its Australian counterparts.

“Four-layer security measures have been taken at the venue – at the gallery gates and outer gates, in the gallery as well as inside the ground. There will also be security personnel deployed on the roof-tops of high-rise buildings surrounding the stadium,” said Maruf during a press briefing at the BFF House yesterday.

The shops and offices at the BNS and adjacent Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium remained closed yesterday and will stay closed today as well.

Maruf informed spectators will go through both manual and electronic checking at the outer gates as well as the gallery gates, and they will have to leave their vehicles quite a distance away from the venue. The spectators will be allowed entry with only match tickets and mobile phones as no other electronic devices or food items, bottles, etc, will be allowed inside the venue. Snacks and beverages will however be sold at selected spots of the stadium, added Maruf, who is also the security head of Bangladesh Football Federation and a security officer of AFC.

Seating arrangements for around 120 Australian fans have been made at the VIP Gallery (Section 2 & 3), informed a BFF official, adding that those who are yet to buy match tickets, can do so from the BFF House in Motijheel or from in front of the outer gates of the stadium.

All the gates will open at 2:30pm, three hours ahead of the kick-off, informed the BFF officials.

Meanwhile, Maruf informed that a similar stringent security measures have been put in place for the Socceroos, who arrived here last night and checked in at Hotel Westin in Gulshan, for their travel from the Airport to the hotel and the match venue and on their way back.