Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been placed on maximum alert to prevent illegal infiltration or push-ins through the borders, dismissing any likelihood of tension in Bangladesh resulting from assembly elections or internal issues in India.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Salahuddin Ahmed made these assertions during a press briefing following a high-level meeting at the Secretariat. The meeting addressed law and order, security at sacrificial cattle markets, and overall preparations ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The minister highlighted that Bangladesh’s relations with friendly countries are based on sovereign equality, and emphasized the importance of BGB’s vigilance in maintaining border security.
Salahuddin Ahmed outlined strict security measures to be implemented nationwide to ensure public safety and smooth movement during Eid. A special monitoring cell has been established at the Police Headquarters to safeguard public security for seven days before and after Eid. This cell will work around the clock, coordinating with various law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including the Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar, BGB, and Bangladesh Coast Guard.
Preparations for Eid include the leasing out of 4,259 cattle markets nationwide, with specific provisions for security such as adequate lighting, CCTV cameras, bank booths, and counterfeit currency detection machines. Ansar members will be deployed at markets as needed to strengthen security, and measures are in place to prevent extortion on roads and waterways, including the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement.
Post-Eid, the BGB has been instructed to prevent rawhide smuggling. To preserve the quality of sacrificial raw hides, a campaign will encourage the application of salt within two hours of slaughter. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has approved Tk 20 crore for distributing salt free of charge for this purpose. Additionally, the government has ensured that garment workers receive their wages and bonuses before the Eid holidays.
In efforts to ensure safety on roads and waterways, authorities will address unfit vehicles and repair potholes swiftly. Special arrangements are planned to avoid passenger and cattle transporter harassment on ferries and launches during the Eid rush. The minister expressed optimism for a peaceful Eid, attributing this to the government’s coordinated measures aimed at creating a secure and festive environment across the country.