Dhaka: Government’s police administration has arranged a three-pronged security umbrella for opposition BNP’s much-orchestrated grand rally on May 19 at Paltan Maidan in the capital, wherefrom former premier Begum Khaleda Zia could pronounce her party’s anti-government protests.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police disclosed the plan at a press briefing organized by the DMP at its head office on Sunday night.

Sources said there would be deployed police in the city from Tuesday night to ensure security and keep the city free from traffic jam during the opposition showdown.

They said a total of 15,00 police personnel along with 300 RAB would be on patrol in and outside the rally venue to ensure a foolproof security.

DMP Commissioner AKM Shahidul Haque said Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), bomb-disposal unit, dog squad, 12 CCTVs, 10 video-cameras, SB, cross patrols, rooftop police, plainclothes women police teams would be deployed and metal-detector archways placed around the rally venue.

“A Deputy Commissioner of police will regulate the team from a sub-control room,” he added.

The city police boss also said the main deployment of forces would start around Tuesday midnight.

“Six gates for entry and exit will be set up around the rally venue which will be cordoned by the Lining Force of DMP, and each person will have be checked to ensure security,” he added.

BDST: 1500HRS,May17, 2010
MZ/MMA/MUA/