3-tier security measures taken for Tarique Rahman’s Jashore rally: Police

Police have taken the highest security measures surrounding BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s rally in Jashore, with a three-tier security system in place, officials said on Sunday.

“A three-tiered security system has been arranged at the rally venue, and more than 500 police members will remain on duty round the clock,” said Jashore Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam at a press briefing held at the Jashore Upashahar College Ground, the rally venue, on Sunday afternoon.

He said that among them, 100 police personnel will be equipped with body-worn cameras.

The police superintendent said a two-tier special security arrangement has been taken from the helipad, where Tarique Rahman will land by helicopter, to the rally venue.

A two-tier security ring will also be set up around the stage, he added, noting that along with uniformed police, members of the Detective Branch (DB) and District Special Branch (DSB) will remain on round-the-clock surveillance.

Special vigilance will be maintained as there are large trees around the venue to ensure that no miscreants can take position there, he said.

SP Rafiqul Islam said discussions have been held with district BNP leaders and activists, who have assured full cooperation with the police.

Regarding traffic management, he said five designated parking areas have been fixed in different parts of the city. No vehicles other than VIP vehicles will be allowed to enter the rally venue, and an adequate number of traffic police will be deployed.

He said body cameras are being used for the first time by police in view of the upcoming 13th national elections, so that the activities of any miscreant can be recorded even if they manage to flee after committing a crime.

More than 100 police personnel deployed at the rally will use body-worn cameras, he added.

The police superintendent also said the 13th national elections will be held on 12 February, and police are working relentlessly to ensure a fair, peaceful and orderly election.

BNP Chairman will leave Dhaka for Khulna by helicopter at 11am on Monday, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

He said the BNP chief is scheduled to join an election rally at 12pm at the Prabhati School ground adjacent to Haji Mohsin College in Khulna.

Tarique will then leave Khulna for Jashore by helicopter at 1:00pm, Sayrul said.

He said the BNP chairman will address another election rally at 1:40pm in Jashore.

Tarique is expected to leave Jashore for Dhaka by helicopter at 2:40pm.