Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam on Monday said that the highest security measures would be taken to ensure a smooth celebration of Christmas Day and the new rear.
He was speaking at a coordination meeting on law and order and traffic management at the DMP headquarters ahead of Christmas and 31st night, reports UNB.
Islam said that events are being held on a limited scale in different countries due to the coronavirus pandemic. A large number of people have been infected with Covid-19 and a Grade-4 lockdown is underway in London. Therefore, all kinds of programmes are being celebrated in Bangladesh in a limited manner in accordance with health rules.
He said the highest security would be provided in the churches on the occasion of Christmas. Additional surveillance and security arrangements will be made in Christian inhabited areas and institutions.
The DMP Commissioner observed that it would be better to arrange multiple prayer services in churches in different times.
About 31st night's security, the DMP commissioner said that people would not be allowed to gather in open space and no year ending party would be permitted.
No space or room can be rented for DJ party in the hotel. However, programmes would be allowed with own management of hotel maintaining social distance but DJ party will not be allowed anyway, he said.
Everyone has to pay attention so that there is no extra traffic jam on the road due to the programmes in the hotels. Thirty-first Night programmes cannot be held on Dhaka University or any other educational institutions, the Commissioner said.
He said that bars will be closed from the evening of Dec 31. Shops can be kept open following social distancing and proper hygiene rules. However, all fast-food shops and markets will be closed after 8pm on new year eve.
Security arrangements adopted at the coordination meeting include an adequate number of police members both in uniform and plainclothes will be deployed in each church.
Visitors will be allowed to enter the church through the archway and they will be searched using metal detectors. Dog squads will be deployed and there will be arrangements to put out fire and ambulances will be kept ready.
There will be an uninterrupted power supply in the church area. No floating shops or hawkers will be allowed to sit in the church area. “You cannot come to church with any kind of bag, box, carton etc,” the DMP boss added.
At the entrance of each venue, hand washing facilities, temperature measurement, disinfectant auto spray machine or tunnel installation has to be arranged. Masks are compulsory for all visitors, including the church's fathers and responsible persons.
Apart from ensuring social distancing in all areas, the sick, elderly and children will be discouraged to join the event. There will be one-way movement at the venue.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the DMP, representatives of the Christian community, officials of various intelligence agencies and representatives of various service providers.
