RAB to conduct special security drives during Eid holidays

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has increased intelligence surveillance and remains on “high alert” to prevent any untoward incidents during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays as it gears up for special security drives across the country.

The drives will be part of heightened security measures at designated Eid congregation venues across the country, Wing Commander MZM Intekhab Chowdhury, director of RAB's legal and media wing, said after visiting the National Eidgah on Friday.

Accordingly, security has been tightened at the National Eidgah, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Sholakia Eidgah, Dinajpur Boro Eidgah and other Eid prayer congregations in the country.

He mentioned strike forces, mobile patrols, observation posts, check posts, watchtowers and CCTV monitoring as part of “sweeping” security measures, which will be bolstered by the RAB Bomb Disposal Unit and Dog Squad Team, on Eid day, set for Saturday.

Surveillance and patrolling have been strengthened to ensure safe journeys for Eid holidaymakers, he said.

These measures have been implemented on every highway to prevent extortion in Dhaka-bound transport carrying sacrificial animals, he said, while “static patrols” at shopping malls, shop houses and entertainment centres have been deployed.

He also underscored activities to thwart theft and robbery at homes, workplaces, shopping malls and other places in Dhaka and across the country all the same.

On measures against gangs like Ogyan and Malom parties, who use chemicals to knock target victims out for robbery, Officer Intekhab said: “I think these instances have dropped as we are getting intelligence beforehand.

“For example, 13 people have already been arrested in Rangpur. A Malom Party gang was held in Sylhet. Such steps have sent out a message across the country -- these misdeeds will not be spared in any way.