Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) beefed up security in all temples and places of worship in the capital amid frequent attacks on Hindu community members and their temples across the country.
Addressing policemen yesterday, DMP Commissioner Shafiqul Islam said they must be alert to avert any recurrence of incidents like the one in Cumilla. He made the statement while attending the monthly crime conference at DMP headquarters. We are determined to maintain religious secularism [that was] achieved through the Liberation War,he said.
He then said, Since Dhaka is the capital, we need to be more vigilant so that no such incidents happen here. We have to keep our eyes and ears open and we have to increase intelligence surveillance. In the conference, the DMP boss has also instructed its cyber-crime unit to increase surveillance through social media.
He said, Not only the followers of traditional religions but also the people of all communities participating in the protest against the destruction of communal harmony. The zonal deputy commissioners will also join the protests and declare their solidarity by saying, ‘We are by your side too’, he expected.
He said that the presence and surveillance of police members have already been increased in large puja mandaps and places of worship in Dhaka.We are ready to provide all possible assistance to them in any need, he said.
Confirming the development, Abul Kalam, officer-in-charge of Tejgaon Industrial Police Station, told that the commissioner instructed to beef up security measures in all religious institutions including temples.
Asked about the security measures, Muradul Islam, Sabujbag Police Station OC, said they always had vigilance centring the temples and places of worship but now they made deployment of police teams round the clock.
Sources said, in the close-door crime conference, the DMP commissioner further said that strict actions would be taken if policemen are found to be demanding money for filling general diaries or police assistance. If any DMP member is involved in corruption, the DMP will follow the zero-tolerance policy, he said.
Earlier, the DMP boss has awarded police personnel for their good work and important role in combating crimes in September. DMP high officials and zonal DC’s were also present at the conference.
