DHAKA: Dhaka’s police boss AKM Shahidul Haque Friday warned of stern action if any indiscipline or anarchy takes place during the June 27 hartal called by main opposition BNP backed by its allies.  

“Police will not prevent BNP from conducting peaceful activities. But strict action will be taken against those found involved in any criminal offence like vandalizing or torching vehicles for creating anarchy,” said the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner at a press briefing at Rajarbagh Police Telecom auditorium.

Disclosing the security planning two days ahead of the first radical action against alleged misdirected actions of the present government, he informed that 10,000-strong police force would be deployed in the capital on the hartal day to maintain law and order.

“This time around, police will avoid making mass arrests. Arrest will be made as per a list of possible troublemakers prepared earlier. Innocent people will not be harassed,” said Shahidul.  

He also requested the BNP leaders not to disrupt traffic on the VIP Road and other important city routes during the shutdown.

“There is nothing to say if anybody spontaneously keeps their shops and establishments closed. But, stern action would be taken if people are forced to shut down their shops,” he said in a forewarning.  

The DMP Commissioner also informed nine sectors, 451 pickets, 135 mobile patrol teams and 74 striking mobile teams would be deployed in the city to ensure security.

Besides, as per the security paradigm, striking reserves will patrol 15 points while incident-cum-evidence teams equipped with cameras guard 20 points and plainclothes DB police will take position at all strategic points.  

BDST 1740 HRS, June 25 2010
KL/SRR/LY/MUA