Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been kept on maximum alert to prevent any illegal infiltration or push-ins through the borders, ruling out the possibility of any tension in Bangladesh stemming from assembly elections or internal developments in any Indian state.
“Bangladesh maintains relations with friendly countries on the basis of sovereign equality. BGB remains on high alert to prevent any kind of illegal intrusion or push-in through the border,” he said.
Action to be taken if evidence of extortion is provided: Salahuddin
The minister came up with the statement while speaking at a press briefing after a high-level meeting at the Secretariat on law and order, security at sacrificial cattle markets and overall preparations ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
He said strict security measures will be taken across the country ahead of Eid to maintain public safety and smooth movement of people and sacrificial animals.
A special monitoring cell has been formed at the Police Headquarters to ensure public security before and after Eid, Salahuddin said. “The cell will remain active round the clock for seven days before and seven days after Eid,” he said.
Police, Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar, BGB, Bangladesh Coast Guard and intelligence agencies have been instructed to work in coordination, he said, adding that hotline services of police, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority will remain active for emergency support during the Eid period.
A total of 4,259 cattle markets have been leased out across the country this year, including 15 under the Dhaka North City Corporation and 11 under the Dhaka South City Corporation.
Authorities have been instructed to ensure adequate lighting and install CCTV cameras at the markets, while bank booths and counterfeit currency detection machines will also be set up there, the minister said.
Besides, Ansar members will be deployed at the cattle markets based on demand from leaseholders to strengthen security, he said.
Issuing a warning against extortion on roads and waterways involving cattle-carrying vehicles, Salahuddin said law enforcement agencies will use body-worn cameras and maintain intelligence surveillance in plain clothes to prevent such activities.
The BGB has been instructed to remain on highest alert to prevent rawhide smuggling after Eid, he said.
To preserve the quality of sacrificial raw hides, a nationwide campaign will be launched, encouraging people to apply salt within two hours of slaughter of animals, the minister said, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has approved Tk 20 crore for the free distribution of salt for this purpose.
He said instructions have also been given to ensure the payment of wages and bonuses for garment workers before the Eid holidays.
Meanwhile, measures have been taken to prevent accidents on roads and waterways by stopping unfit vehicles from operating and repairing potholes on highways quickly, Salahuddin said. “Special arrangements will also be made to prevent harassment of passengers and cattle transporters on ferries and launches during the Eid rush.”
Expressing hope for a peaceful celebration of Eid, he said the government’s coordinated measures will help ensure a safe and festive environment across the country.