Four-tier security measures would be in place at the Central Shaheed Minar and its surrounding areas ahead of the International Mother Language Day and 'Bhasha Shaheed Dibosh' on Feb 21.
"There is no specific threat centering the International Mother Language Day. But, every possible security measures will be in place for smooth and peaceful observance of the day," said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah on Monday (Feb 19) while replying to queries after paying visit to the Central Shaheed Minar area to see the overall security arrangements.
As per the security arrangement, the Central Shaheed Minar and its surrounding areas will be swiped by the dog squads and necessary security search will also be conducted, he said, adding that check posts will also be installed at each of the entry points and no hawker will be allowed to sit in these areas. None except teachers, students and employees of Dhaka University will be allowed to enter the venue after 6 p.m. on Feb 20.
There will be diversions on some streets from 6 p.m. on Feb 20 to Feb 21. No vehicle without stickers of Dhaka University will be allowed to enter the Central Shaheed Minar area through Chankaharpool, Bakshibazar, Nilkhet, Palashi, Shahbagh, High Court and Romana intersections. VIPs (very important persons) and cabinet members have been requested to enter the Shaheed Minar area through Doel Square while diplomats through Gymnasium Crossing and exit using the same intersections through which they enter.
The Central Shaheed Minar will be opened for all after 12.30 p.m. on Feb 21 and the people from all strata will be allowed to enter the venue through Polashir mor. However, Dhaka University's 'Central Coordination Committee for Observing Amar Ekushey' has drawn up a route map for the people who will come to Central Shaheed Minar and Azimpur Graveyard on Feb 21 to pay tribute to the martyrs of language movement. The route map will come into effect from 7 p.m. on Feb 20, said a press release issued on Monday.
According to the route, people will be able to enter Azimpur graveyard through the old High Court road, Doyel Chattar (crossing), Bangla Academy, TSC crossing, road beside DU Vice-Chancellor's residence, New Market crossing and the north gate of the graveyard. After offering fateha at the graves of the martyrs, they will have to come out through the main gate (South) of the graveyard and go through Azimpur Road, Polashi crossing, Fuler Road and in front of Salimullah Muslim and Jagannath hall.
Those who want to go to Shaheed Minar without visiting the graveyard will use the road on the left of Nilkhet Police Outpost (west of Zahurul Huq Hall) after crossing the Vice-Chancellor's residence. The Shaheed Minar could also be reached through the road of Home Economic College and Eden Mohila College via Azimpur and Polashi crossings. From Chankharpul area, people can go to Shaheed Minar through Bokshibazar crossing, Polashi crossing and the road in front of Sir Salimullah Muslim Hall and Jagannath Hall.
It is to be noted that the road on the east of Jagannath Hall from TSC will remain completely closed. The road from DU Vice-Chancellor's residence to Fuler Road crossing and the road from Chankharpul to Curzon Hall will remain close for public. After placing wreaths at the Shaheed Minar, people can exit through the road in front of the university playground, Doyel Chattar and Chankharpul.
