The country’s largest Eidgah ‘Sholakia Maidan’ in Kishoreganj has been prepared for holding the 192nd Eid jamaat on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
“Unprecedented security measures have been taken in and around the Sholakia Maidan with deploying police personnel, five platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel and and a large number of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel for smooth and peaceful holding of the largest Eid Jamaat,” Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Sarwar Morshed Chowdhury told journalists today after visiting the Eidgah Maidan.
The devotees could carry only jainamaj (prayer mat) in the Eid Jamaat, he said, adding that 300,000 to 350,000 Muslim devotees from across the world are expected to join the Eid jamaat at Sholakia this year.
Superintendent of Police of Kishoreganj Mashruqur Rahma Khaled said with 32 security check posts have been set up surrounding the maidan which will be monitored round the clock by the law enforcers.
Besides, 32 police checkpoints, 25 magistrates will lead striking forces during the congregation, he added.
Sniper rifles have been added in the security measures of RAB for the first time this year, he said, adding that camera-equipped drones will hover over the entire Sholakia Maidan during the Eid jamaat
The entire areas of the maidan will be brought under the coverage of closed circuit camera televisions (CCTVs), Khaled said.
The security arrangements have been taken against the backdrop of the militant attack at the Sholakia Maidan in 2016, he ended.
Police are now conducting search at each of the houses and the house owners have been asked not to rent out their houses to new tenants, he informed.
Meanwhile, Commanding Officer of Mymensingh RAB-14 visited the Eidgah Maidan and said plain-clothe personnel from different intelligence agencies have been entrusted with strict vigilance in and around Sholakia.
The 192nd jamaat on the Sholakia Maidan will be held at 10am while Bangladesh Islahul Muslimin Parishad Chairman Mawlana Farid Uddin Masud will conduct the Eid jamaat.
There will be two special trains to transport those devotees who will come from outside of Kishoreganj. A train will leave Mymensingh at 5.55am and another will leave Bhoirab at 6:00am for Kishoreganj on the Eid day. It will return at 12 noon on the day, reports BSS.
