DHAKA: Both police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have taken several tiers of security measures with the deployment of huge lawmen to ensure smooth celebration of 'Amar Ekushey' and International Mother Language Day on Saturday.

Alongside police, plain-clothed police and members of other law enforcing agencies will jointly ensure security, said Asaduzzaman Mia, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner, in a press conference at DMP media center on Thursday.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members will also take foolproof security measures at Shaheed Minar for Amar Ekushey’, its Director General Benzir Ahmed told the media while visiting the Shaheed Minar around 11:30am.

Benazir added: “A total of 8000 forces would be deployed across the country and check posts would be installed at different strategic points for smooth monitoring of International Mother Language Day.”

CCTV monitoring system has been installed in Shaheed Minar area. Plain dressed RAB detective would remain patrolling there. Striking forces will also be ready. 
   
As part of the security measures, people are advised to enter Shaheed Minar through Palashi intersection and exit through Doel Chattar and Chan Khar Pool on Saturday, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia said.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar soon after zero hour.

Then Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal of India, will pay homage to language martyrs.

The Speaker and a representative group of AL leaders will place wreaths.

In reply to a query, the DMP boss said Bangladesh Nationalist Party is yet to inform whether its chairperson Khaleda Zia will go to Shaheed Minar for paying tribute to the language martyrs.

BDST: 1505 HRS, FEB 19, 2015