Additional 3,000 police deployed on the occasion of 31st: DMP commissioner

On the occasion of new years' eve, an additional 3,000 police have been deployed in the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) area to ensure overall security in the capital, said DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali.

He disclosed this information in response to a question from journalists at a briefing organised at the DMP Media Center today (31 December).

Regarding any special deployment on the occasion of New Year's Eve he said, during regular patrols there are at least two teams from each outpost at night, and four-five teams from each police station. On the occasion of 31st night, 3,000 additional police have been deployed.

"We think this is enough. We have targeted some points, especially Dhaka University, Gulshan, 300 feet, Uttara Diabari areas, where more police will be deployed. Along with our police force, there will be magistrates of the Department of Environment. If they conduct mobile courts anywhere, our force will support them," he said.

When asked why there is restrictions on fireworks in Bangladesh despite many countries celebrating new year with fireworks the DMP commissioner said, in most countries, 1 January is celebrated as new year but not in our country. Secondly, in other countries, the English New Year celebration is organised at a specific place, fireworks are not set off throughout the city.

"We also thought of organising the 31st and English new year celebration at a specific place in Dhaka this year, but could not manage it. Hopefully, we will organise it next year," he added.

In response to the question of whether the morale of the police has been restored, he said, "We have overcome the lack of morale of the police. We have come back from the coma we went into. The morale of our officers is much better now."

When asked if there is any threat on the occasion of New Year's Eve, he said, there is no threat.

Earlier in the briefing, he said, in order to prevent fireworks, crackers, cluster bombs, and rocket bombs from being set off, the DMP conducted a drive in the capital for the last one week and seized 127 kg of fireworks, crackers, cluster bombs, and rocket bombs. Five cases have been filed in this regard and five people have been arrested.

At this time, he told the city residents, it is not possible to stop noise pollution with just the police or the Department of Environment. Every citizen has a responsibility for this. "We want everyone's cooperation," he added.