Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Additional IGP Md Ahsan Habib Palash on Tuesday said the overall security situation in the country is normal ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with no specific threat detected so far.
“We are not sensing any threat at the moment,” he told reporters at the National Eidgah Maidan on the premises of the Supreme Court in Dhaka.
He said the situation remains normal and no unusual activity has been observed so far. “Still, we have our own security measures and operational arrangements in place,” he added.
“We are making efforts within our capacity, alongside other law enforcement agencies. Security will be strengthened at locations where large gatherings are expected,” he said.
He expressed hope that all Eid congregations would be completed peacefully without any untoward incidents this year.
Regarding RAB’s special preparations, he said the force is continuing its regular operations and preventive measures as usual.
Although no specific threat has been identified, RAB remains fully prepared with operational strategies and contingency plans, he added.
On security in the capital during the Eid holidays, he said incidents of theft and burglary often rise as city residents travel to their village homes.
“To prevent such crimes, our patrol will be intensified both day and night. Intelligence surveillance will also continue,” he said.
He urged citizens to seek assistance through the RAB control room or the national emergency service 999 in case of any suspicious incidents, adding that the force is ready to respond at any time.
The DG said extensive security measures have been taken nationwide in coordination with other law enforcement agencies ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
He said intensified patrolling is underway in key and vulnerable areas, while mobile check-posts have been set up at strategic locations to strengthen security and conduct searches.
RAB has also stepped up intelligence monitoring and online surveillance to prevent illegal hoarding, price manipulation, food adulteration and the circulation of counterfeit goods during the Eid period.
Additional security measures have been taken in metropolitan cities, district towns and upazilas to curb theft, robbery and mugging during the holidays, he said.
He added that surveillance has been increased at cattle markets to prevent public harassment, while drives against counterfeit currency syndicates are also ongoing ahead of Eid.
Special monitoring is being carried out at bus terminals, railway stations, launch terminals and ferry ghats to ensure safe movement of homebound passengers.
He also said RAB is working to prevent cattle-laden vehicles from being forcibly diverted to specific markets and is monitoring social media to curb rumours or misleading information related to Eid.