Khaleda verdict: Security measures beefed up across country

Security measures have been beefed up across the country including the capital Dhaka centring the verdict of Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

"We have instructed policemen to remain alert so that no one can enter the capital with illegal firearms through land, water and air ways," Saheli Ferdous, assistant inspector general of police headquarters, told The Daily Star this evening.

As part of the security measures, close circuit cameras have been installed at different strategic points across the capital, the police official said.

The law enforcers have also set up checkposts at all the entry points of Dhaka to monitor movement of Dhaka-bound people, she said.           

A Special Court in Dhaka is set to announce verdict of the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case filed against Khaleda Zia, her son Tarique Rahman and four others on Thursday (February 8).

Meanwhile, members of different law enforcement agencies have started carrying out massive searches at buses, railway stations and launch terminals to make their efforts a success.

Deputy Commissioner (Lalbagh division) Mohammad Ibrahim Khan of Dhaka Metropolitan Police said they are on high alert ahead of the verdict of the graft case.

"We are keeping close vigilance on the people's movement. We are also monitoring register books of different residential hotels in my area in line with the directives of the concerned authority," he added.

Earlier in the day, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) imposed a ban on bringing out processions and carrying sharp weapons, explosives, flammable materials and sticks in Dhaka on February 8 to avert any untoward incident centring the verdict in the corruption case against Khaleda Zia.