Foolproof security on Buddha Purnima

Dhaka Metropolitan Police today assured of taking adequate security measures for the peaceful celebration on May 18.

DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia assured of foolproof security during a meeting with a delegation of the Buddhist community leaders at his office amid the media reports on the possible terrorist attack during Buddha Purnima celebration.

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However, celebration venues have been reduced to four from six in the city this year considering the security aspects, said a police officer who attended the meeting.

Programmes of Buddha Purnima will be held in four pagodas in Uttara, Basabo, Badda and Mirpur on May 18. A day before, a rally from Shahbagh to Press club will be escorted by lawmen, police and community leaders said.   

The organisers have been asked to bring the venues under CCTV surveillance, engage volunteers and ensure availability of sufficient lights.

Additional policemen in uniform and plainclothes will be deployed at the venues as well as at the important city points and establishments.

In the meeting, Monirul Islam, chief of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, said that though different media reported about possible attack on that day citing foreign intelligence agencies, there is no specific threat, participants of the meeting said.  

Ashoke Barua, executive president of Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, said “We agreed not to arrange any programmes in two pagodas in Banglabazar and Narda area. We are assured and very much happy about the security arrangement police shared with us.”