Security measures beefed up for CPC: IGP

Security measures have been enhanced ahead of the 63rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Hoque said today.

The four-day conference is scheduled to begin at the South Plaza of Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Complex tomorrow.

Claiming that Bangladesh has previously hosted such events successfully, the IGP hoped this year’s programme will also be held in the similar manner.

He was talking to reporters after visiting the venue this afternoon.

Law men from different law enforcement agencies including Rapid Action Battalion, police and intelligence officials have been deployed in and around the area to ensure security at the venue, IGP Shahidul said.

The delegates of the participating countries will also be given a full-proof security on their way to the venue of the event from hotels, the IGP said. 

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia will coordinate the security measures for the sake of holding the event in a peaceful atmosphere, he added.

Over 550 delegates from 144 national and provincial parliaments of 44 countries are scheduled to take part in the eight-day event, said sources at Bangladesh office of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

The CPC is the annual conference of the CPA, formed in 1911. The event would bring together parliamentarians, parliamentary staffers and decision-makers from across the Commonwealth countries.

At present, 52 countries are members of the CPA.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin, chairperson of the CPA, will preside over the conference, while Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Mia will lead the Bangladesh delegation.

The theme of the 63rd conference is “continuing to enhance the high standards of performance of parliamentarians.”

Members of the CPA will elect their new chairperson for the next a three-year in the conference, which will conclude with the adoption of a number of resolutions.