Power station, oil depots in Khulna on alert

It followed intelligence reports in the wake of a sharp rise in crimes in the area.

According to sources in Special Branch of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP), security measures have been beefed up in and around the installations. Armed policemen in large numbers have been deployed at the sites and special check posts set up at all key points in the city.

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The sources said 22 special teams are on patrol in the city's vulnerable points. They are keeping watch particularly on movement of leaders of opposition labour organisations in Khalishpur and Atra industrial belts.

The Assistant Police Commissioner of KMP's North Zone said 10 armed policemen are guarding each of the power sub stations. In addition, a large number of security forces have been deployed at Goalpara power station and at the three oil depots.

"We do not rule out possibility of sabotage in oil depots", said area sales manager Md Samiul Huq of Padma oil company.

According to sources in Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), there are 42,94,000 litres of diesel and 11 lakh litres of petrol in Padma oil depot; 35,15000 litres of diesel and 5, 93000 litres of petrol in Meghna oil depot and 26, 00,000 litres diesel and 2,00,000 litres of petrol in Jamuna oil depot at Daulatpur.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdur Razzak told this correspondent that surveillance in all these three oil depots is being monitored round the clock.

The oil depots are situated in the industrial belt where jute mill workers and employees are on agitation to realise their demands. "So, we have ensured top security in those areas", said KMP Commissioner Khan Saeed Hasan, expressing his determination to check any sabotage.

Intelligence sources said the red alert has been declared in the wake of deterioration in the law and order in some south-western districts including Khulna.

Five murders took place in Kushtia from Monday till Thursday, allegedly by outlaws. An increase in criminal activities including murder and robbery marker the last week.

Law enforcers apprehended further deterioration in law and order in the south-western districts as outlaws are active to avenge the crossfire deaths of their party men. They may also do sabotage to create anarchy in the area, an intelligence official said seeking anonymity.