Police commissioner warns against opportunists, calls for heightened vigilance on Martyrs Day

Dhaka Metropolitan Police, or DMP, Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali has urged heightened caution ahead of this year’s Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day, citing a "different context" in which the observance will take place.

Speaking at a coordination meeting at the DMP Headquarters on Monday, he said: “This year’s observance of Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day is taking place in a changed situation and a different context.

“Everyone must remain alert to prevent any untoward incidents by opportunists.”

The meeting was convened to discuss overall security measures and traffic management for the occasion, according to a statement from the DMP.

The commissioner stressed the need for intelligence agencies to ramp up surveillance.

He also said the DMP would provide full support to the Dhaka University administration in ensuring a smooth programme at the Central Shaheed Minar.

Representatives from intelligence agencies, Dhaka University’s proctor, and officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka South City Corporation, Dhaka WASA, the Fire Service, and other government service agencies attended the meeting.

They shared their views and recommendations on security and logistics.