Dhaka Metropolitan Police will monitor and take action against dissemination of hateful comments or propaganda on Tazia processions of the Shia community on social media during Holy Ashura. DMP commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said this at press briefing on the security measures taken regarding Tazia procession and observence of Holy Ashura at old Dhaka’s Imambara Husaini Dalan on Thursday. “We don’t have any information of sabotage centering the Tazia procession but all the roads the procession will cross will remain under tight security blanket,” the DMP commissioner said replying to a journalist’s question. Also read: Holy Ashura on Aug 9, Muharram Sunday He said Tazia processions will be brought out on August 7 and it will continue till August 9. “In some places the festivities may start from August 6 but the main program will continue for four days,” he added. Police personnel will remain deployed at different points of the capital as well as on rooftops of buildings, he said. “Bomb disposal unit and dog squad will sweep the roads through which the procession will pass, “ he said. Raids and block raids will be conducted in hotels of the adjacent areas one or two days before the Ashura, said the DMP Commissioner. Also read: Intensify searching in hotels, messes to prevent subversive acts: DMP commissioner Holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), will be observed in the country on August 9.

Urging people not to get out of homes without any valid reason during the seven-day tough lockdown, DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam on Wednesday said the violators of its rules will face legal action leading to arrest and imprisonment. “This time the police will take tough action against the violators. We’ve preparations to arrest 5,000 people or more a day from the capital, if needed. Then we’ll send them to jail and produce before court,” said the DMP Commissioner.   He came up with both the advice and warning while talking to reporters at DMP Media Centre. Replying to a question, Shafiqul, said, “No motorised vehicle will be allowed to ply roads but rickshaws can move enabling people to deal with emergency causes like buying daily essentials, medicines and taking patients to hospitals. No one will be allowed to use a rickshaw for roaming or visiting relatives’ houses.” Asked about the media people’s movement, the DMP chief, said the journalists have been asked to cover their assignments after hanging their ID cards and they can move in the city to perform their duties. “Police won’t obstruct them. They can also use vehicles provided by their respective offices,” he added. Responding to another query, the DMP commissioner said police patrolling will be increased on main roads as well as in alleys of the city. Read: DMP explains directives on ridesharing during lockdown

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam on Sunday said the suspected police personnel will have to undergo dope tests and those who fail it will lose their jobs.