No security threat on Aug 15: DMP chief

There is no specific security threat centering the National Mourning Day on August 15, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia said today.

Strong security measures have been taken across the capital marking the day, he told reporters after observing security deployment at Dhanmondi Road-32 this morning.

“Although there is no specific threat, we are not ruling out any apprehension since a vested quarter is active since 1971. We thwarted their evil designs successfully in the past,” he said.

Police are conducting repeated block raids and search operations in Dhaka city to ensure foolproof security on day and there is nothing to be afraid of, the DMP boss said.

Replying to a query on last year’s foiled terrorist attack on August 15 rally from a hotel in Panthapath area, Asaduzzaman said: “Although the militants surface with different names, their roots are same. The investigation in the case is at the last stage. We have been able to arrest 14 persons, out them 10 have given confessional statements before a court.”

“Their plan was to draw the attention of the international community through carrying out attack on the rally at Dhanmondi-32; however, we successfully foiled their attempt.”

The whole area including Dhanmondi-32 has been brought under CCTV surveillance and security archways have been installed at each entrance, he said.

Dog squads of DMP and Rab will sweep the whole area for detecting explosive materials. Moreover, visitors have been instructed not to carry handbags, purse, sharp weapons and any other subversive materials while paying homage.