Large-scale security drills are being carried out in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka. The drills come amid fears of unrest in the capital, reports said. The Bangladesh Police
on Saturday carried out large-scale coordinated security drill at key points of the capital ahead of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's now disbanded Awami League's 'Dhaka Lockdown' programme. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party has announced 'Dhaka Lockdown' on November 13. Several newspapers quoting unidentified sources in the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said some 7,000 policemen took part in a drill at 142 locations, including interim government chief Muhammad Yunus' residence, to contain possible violent street protests next week, reported PTI. The police drill came three days after the army, which has been on policing duty for the past 15 months, withdrew half of its some 60,000 troops, saying they needed rest and training but promised to extend its full support for the planned February election with the redeployment of extra forces. Witnesses reported increased police presence across Dhaka, which enhanced concerns among residents of the capital about the law and order situation on November 13. Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) is set to announce a date for delivering judgment against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina after her trial in absentia on charges of alleged crimes against humanity.
What Bangladesh Police Said On Security Drills
However, the DMP called the deployment a "regular security exercise" as a huge number of policemen in riot gear, including steel helmets and body armour, were seen at key intersections across the capital, stopping pedestrians for bag checks and questioning, and inspecting suspicious vehicles.
"Our regular operational activities include quick-response drills to ensure readiness for any kind of emergency," DMP spokesman Muhammad Talebur Rahman told reporters.
He, however, added that officers of various ranks took part in Saturday's exercise.
A DMP official preferring anonymity said Saturday's "mega drill" was meant not only to test coordination and readiness of police but also to serve as a deterrent to any potential acts of violence or unrest in the capital ahead of November 13.
(With PTI Inputs)
