Comprehensive security measures have been planned across the capital to ensure the peaceful and orderly observance of Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day on February 21.
Enhanced security will also be maintained at the Shaheed Minar premises and Azimpur Graveyard to prevent any untoward incidents and manage public gatherings.
The President and the Prime Minister are scheduled to pay homage to the language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of Saturday.
Law enforcement agencies will enforce additional security measures for 30 minutes after the President and Prime Minister pay homage to facilitate tributes by dignitaries.
Following their tribute, wreaths will be laid by political officials, members of several ministries and organizations connected to the Ekushey observances, foreign ambassadors based in Dhaka, and notable individuals.
In the meantime, Dhaka University officials have declared that starting at 7:00 p.m. on February 20, security will be increased at all campus entrances.
By then, residents are expected to return to their apartments or dorms. Those who need to enter later must have their identification cards and security passes up to date.
As part of the observances, a silent procession and Prabhat Pheri will begin at 6:30am on February 21 from the “Smriti Chirantan” premises in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s residence.
DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan will lead the procession, which will stop at the Central Shaheed Minar after passing through Udayan School.
At its headquarters, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) convened a high-level coordination meeting to finalize the day’s complete security and traffic management arrangements.
The goal of the conference, which was presided over by DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali, was to guarantee that visitors from all backgrounds may pay their respects at the Central Shaheed Minar in a safe and orderly setting.
The commissioner emphasized more vigilance in his speech to prevent any unfortunate incidents.
He directed all concerned agencies to remain alert and proactive, while intelligence agencies were instructed to intensify surveillance and monitoring activities.
At the outset of the meeting, DMP Joint Police Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah presented the overall security blueprint, outlining operational strategies, deployment plans and traffic control measures.
Additional Police Commissioner (Admin) Md Sarwar directed the Intelligence Department to provide advance information and ensure proper traffic management across the capital.
Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam expressed optimism that the observance would be conducted peacefully if all stakeholders perform their duties responsibly.
The DMP reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that citizens can observe the day with due solemnity, security and discipline.
