The government has decided not to arrange decorative illumination across the country on Independence Day this year as part of austerity measures amid potential energy crisis, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday.
The Home Minister made the announcement while briefing reporters at Secretariat after a preparatory meeting on law and order ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the observance of Genocide Day on March 25, and the celebration of Independence and National Day on March 26.
He said the decision was taken to avoid any potential energy shortage and to encourage electricity savings in the current situation.
Salahuddin Ahmed said the government has also taken special measures to maintain law and order during the upcoming national programmes and the Eid festival.
He added that foolproof security would be provided for all state programmes marking Independence Day including the placing of wreaths by the President and the Prime Minister at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar.
The Home Minister said the government is giving special attention to ensuring smooth travel for people during the Eid holidays.
Authorities concerned have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted road transport so that people can travel comfortably, he said.
He also said coordination is being maintained with leaders of the BGMEA and BKMEA to prevent any unrest over wages and allowances of garment workers ahead of Eid.
The Additional Inspector General of the Industrial Police has been assigned as the focal point to strengthen coordination regarding Eid preparations.
He will maintain round-the-clock communication with both factory owners and workers’ representatives to avoid any untoward situation before Eid-ul-Fitr, the minister said.
Referring to recent isolated incidents of mob violence, Salahuddin Ahmed said the government is taking the matter seriously and is determined to eliminate mob culture from the country.
He added that suspects involved in a recent crime in Narsingdi were arrested promptly and police are also investigating other incidents with due importance.