Tightened security for Eid: RAB, police on high alert

Ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr festival, law enforcement agencies across the country have intensified security measures to ensure the safe and smooth movement of millions of homebound travellers, while safeguarding property in the capital during the holiday.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police have deployed checkpoints, extra patrols, mobile courts, dog squads, bomb disposal teams, and cyber monitoring units to prevent theft, robbery, ticket scalping, and other crimes. Major transit points, including bus terminals, railway stations, launch ghats, and exit routes from Dhaka, have been placed under heightened surveillance.

RAB spokesperson Wing Commander MZM Intekhab Chowdhury told Jago News, “Checkpoints have been set up in key locations nationwide based on an analysis of previous Eid crime patterns. In addition to these checkpoints, extra patrols are being conducted to prevent criminal and terrorist activities. Patrol schedules are designed to monitor high-risk hours for theft and robbery.”

Mobile courts will operate at major terminals such as Gabtoli, Sayedabad, railway stations, and launch points to curb ticket scalping. RAB battalions across the country are also monitoring price surges in essential goods, he said, adding that Dog squads, bomb disposal teams, and cyber monitoring units remain on standby around the clock.

Authorities are taking special measures to secure homes left vacant during the Eid holidays. RAB Deputy Director Additional DIG Khalidul Haque Howlader said, “We maintain regular checkpoints at four to five focal points in Dhaka to ensure the safety of residents and travellers. During Eid, coordinated operations by 15 RAB battalions will secure homes and properties nationwide.”

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman said, “Additional police personnel have been deployed at bus terminals, railway stations, and launch ghats to prevent inconvenience to travellers. Patrols, intelligence monitoring, and mobile teams have been arranged to protect property in empty homes while residents are away.”

Earlier this month, the IGP Ali Hossain Fakir held nationwide coordination meetings with police superintendents to direct measures against highway robberies, extortion, and theft, and to strengthen security at major markets. “We will not allow robbery, extortion, or theft on highways. Security has also been reinforced at major markets and commercial hubs,” the IGP said.

The Road Transport and Highways Ministry instructed that all maintenance and repair work on national highways, key corridors, and important roads under Dhaka North and South City Corporations be completed at least ten days before Eid. Key terminals, including Sadarghat, Mohakhali, Sayedabad, Gabtoli, and Phulbari, have been equipped with CCTV cameras linked to BRTA and police control rooms for centralized monitoring.

Mobile courts involving BRTA, police, city corporations, district administrations, transport authorities, and transport worker representatives will operate throughout the holiday to prevent overcharging and illegal passenger transport.

Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with security personnel and follow traffic rules to ensure smooth travel.

During Eid, the public can contact law enforcement for emergencies through the following hotlines: Police headquarters control room at 01320001300 or 01320001299, highway police at 01320182598, railway police at 01320177598, Coast Guard Police at 01320169598, and RAB headquarters at 01777720029.

The Eid-ul-Fitr festival is expected to celebrate in the country on March 20 or 21 this year, based on moon sighting. Government-declared holidays for both public and private sector employees began on March 17 and will continue until March 23.

KR/MHK