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'Unparalleled and unprecedented" security arrangements in capital during SAARC summit
10/19/2005
The government has undertaken "unparalleled and unprecedented" security arrangements in the capital during the 13th SAARC Summit scheduled to be held on November 12-13, reports UNB.
Emerging from a meeting of the security sub-committees, State Minister for Home Lutfozzaman Babar told reporters that all preparations on security aspects for holding the SAARC Summit are almost complete and the government is ready to face any situation.
"We have taken unprecedented security measures to hold the summit," Babar, who presided over the meeting, told journalists at the home ministry Tuesday.
The committees appraised the minister about the security measures taken by them during the twice-postponed summit.
Inspector General (IG) of Police Abdul Quiyum is heading the law and order sub committee while the Special Security Force (SSF) and President's Guard Regiment (PGR) would ensure the safety and security for the very very important persons (VVIPs).
Besides, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and Special Branch (SB) of police would maintain intelligence network, and the commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police would control traffic system during the summit.
According to home ministry sources, about 20,000 policemen and 1,300 RAB members, along with the para-military BDR, Ansar, SSF, PGR and plain clothes police would make up the security blanket during the summit.
Besides, the coastguards and the air wing of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) with helicopters would check the water bodies and airways.
Meanwhile, the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel has decorated its newly constructed seven presidential suites for accommodating the guests during the upcoming summit.
Besides, the hotel has also set up close circuit (CC) cameras for ensuring security of the guests. Members of SSF and PGR will be jointly in charge of security in airport, China-Bangladesh Friendship Centre and Sheraton Hotel.
A media centre has been set up and arrangements made at Hotel Sonargaon for accommodation of the media personnel covering the summit.
Meeting sources said the security measures taken earlier for holding the summit in February was reviewed and the law enforcing agencies have been directed to do the needful.
The home ministry has collected lists of teenage criminals, outlawed extremists and militants. Bangladesh police, RAB and other agencies have been provided with the lists, sources said.
According to the home ministry sources, the government has also directed the law-enforcing agencies to keep strict watch on the 'top terrors' who have taken shelter in India and Myanmar.
Law-enforcers have also been asked to keep watch on the foreigners travelling in connection with 'Tablig Jamaat'.
Besides, the law-enforcing agencies have been directed to conduct block raids at different hotels, guesthouses and slums in the city. Strong vigilance on highways, waterways and border areas will be maintained.
Moreover, the meeting also asked the departments concerned to keep the city free from traffic jam during the summit.
The meeting was attended, among others, by Home Secretary Safar-raj Hossain, IGP, RAB Director General (DG) and DG of DGFI.
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