As Dhaka prepares for the nine-day government-declared holiday from 28 March to 5 April for Eid-ul-Fitr, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have devised a robust security plan to ensure safety across the capital.
With a significant portion of the city's population set to leave for their hometowns, authorities have heightened vigilance to prevent potential criminal activities.
At least 15,000 police personnel will be deployed across the city, with security measures including increased patrols in residential and commercial areas, as well as checkpoints on major roads.
Shopping centres and residential zones will see heightened surveillance, with law enforcement agencies working round the clock to deter thefts, muggings, and burglaries.
DMP sources noted that during Eid, many homes, offices, and flats remain unoccupied, raising concerns among residents about potential break-ins.
"This [security plan] is to reassure the public. While police are on duty, residents must also take personal precautions for securing their homes, businesses, and establishments before travelling," said DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali during a press briefing.
Senior DMP officials have indicated that police patrols will be intensified, particularly at night, and additional security personnel will be deployed at bus terminals, railway stations, and launch terminals.
High-risk areas, including gold markets and business districts, will also be under strict police monitoring.
Authorities have already bolstered security at various marketplaces, wholesale hubs, and shopping malls ahead of the festive rush. Special teams from the police and RAB are actively monitoring crime-prone areas and conducting operations to curb incidents involving muggers, robbers, and fraudulent syndicates such as "Molom Party" and "Ogyan Party".
Analysing previous trends, DMP officials highlighted that incidents of burglary and robbery at jewellery stores tend to rise during the Eid holidays.
“These crimes are often committed by restraining security personnel or, in some cases, with their collusion,” a senior official stated.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime and Operations) S N Md Nazrul Islam informed that the newly recruited 'Auxiliary Force' will be assigned to ensure security at shopping malls.
“During Eid, Dhaka's streets become relatively empty, making residential areas more vulnerable. We will therefore increase police patrols in these locations and set up security checkpoints at key points across the city,” he added.
Nazrul Islam further stated that law enforcement agencies will conduct continuous surveillance, with 600 police patrol teams operating throughout the capital, while 75 checkpoints will be in place daily.
Beyond the regular police force, personnel from the Public Order Management (POM) unit, the specialised Armed Police Battalion (APBn), the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, and the Detective Branch (DB) will collectively contribute to maintaining law and order across Dhaka.
Meanwhile, RAB has also reinforced its security strategy for the Eid holidays. Director of the RAB’s Law and Media Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman, stated that intelligence monitoring will be intensified at key transit hubs, including bus and launch terminals and railway stations.
“In areas lacking closed-circuit (CCTV) surveillance, RAB personnel will conduct frequent patrols to deter thefts, snatchings, and robberies,” he added.
As the city prepares for the holiday exodus, authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces to ensure a safe and peaceful Eid celebration.
