RAB DG: No threat of militant attack centring Bishwa Ijtema

There is no threat of militant attack centring the Bishwa Ijtema, said M Khurshid Hossain, director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Wednesday.

“There is no specific threat of militant attack centring the Bishwa Ijtema and we are on alert,” he said.

RAB is ready to tackle any untoward situation at Ijtema venue and adjacent areas, said the RAB DG while talking to reporters after visiting the control room of RAB at Ijtema venue in Tongi.

Alongside the other law enforcement agencies, RAB will perform duties to ensure security of the devotees, he said.

Khurshid Hossain addressed concerns about the harassment of foreign guests at the airport, adding that last year's issues will not be repeated. 

RAB, along with other law enforcement forces, is dedicated to ensuring security during the Bishwa Ijtema. 

Measures include setting up a control room for continuous security monitoring, increasing intelligence surveillance, deploying bomb disposal units, having a striking reserve force, conducting search operations, and providing helicopter patrols.

Security measures also extend to preventing disorder, drug addiction, robbery, pickpocketing, and violence around the Ijtema area. 

Checkposts have been established to search vehicles and passengers heading to the Ijtema, and RAB's medical centre will operate around the clock. 

Additionally, the cyber wing is actively monitoring online activities to prevent disinformation and rumours.

Khurshid Hossain requested the sincere cooperation of the government and devotees to maintain a stable law and order situation, ensuring the successful and peaceful completion of the upcoming Bishwa Ijtema, which will be held in two phases from February 2 to February 4 and February 9 to February 11.

Besides, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun also visited the places designated for foreign devotees.

Talking to reporters he said security measures have been taken to ensure smooth congregation of devotees at the Ijtema venue and there is no specific information about security threat from the intelligence team.

CCTVs will be installed while patrol teams will keep patrolling through choppers, said the IGP.

He said people can join Ijtema without any fear.