In anticipation of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have implemented comprehensive security measures to safeguard residents and maintain law and order in the capital.
With the government-declared seven-day holiday running from 17 to 23 March, large numbers of people are expected to leave the city for their hometowns, leaving Dhaka relatively empty. Authorities are concerned that reduced population density may encourage crimes such as burglary, snatching, and robberies, particularly targeting gold markets and commercial areas. To address this, over 16,000 police and RAB personnel have been deployed across the city.
Acting Commissioner Md. Sarwar stated that more than 15,000 police officers are actively on duty, with leave suspended during the holiday period. “Our focus is to secure both commercial hubs and residential areas, especially when homes are unoccupied. Additional traffic police and patrol units are ensuring safety on major roads and in densely populated zones,” he said.
Security arrangements include intensified patrolling, temporary checkpoints, and special operations units. Sensitive locations such as markets, shopping complexes, bus and rail terminals, and launch stations have received additional personnel. Foot and vehicle patrols are ongoing throughout the day and night, complemented by motorcycle units for rapid response. Officers are armed to respond immediately to incidents, and special night patrols are particularly active from 11 pm to 6 am, based on previous years’ crime patterns.
RAB has also deployed nearly 1,000 members from units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10 across the capital. Wing Commander M.Z.M. Intekhab Chowdhury, Director of Law and Media at RAB, explained that the force has established more than 30 checkpoints and over 50 patrolling teams nightly. Cyber monitoring units are working to prevent rumours and misinformation, while mobile courts and highway patrols tackle ticket scalping and highway robberies. Dog squads and helicopters are on standby for emergencies.
DMP officials have also introduced special night-duty teams from eight crime divisions, with 4,500 officers operating in three shifts via 300 pickup vans. Another 1,500 officers conduct foot patrols, while 4,000 traffic police manage road safety and prevent street crimes.
Security Deployment Overview
| Force | Number of Personnel | Key Responsibilities | Deployment Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMP Regular Police | 15,000+ | Patrols, market and residential security, traffic control | City-wide, sensitive zones |
| Night Special Duty | 4,500 | Three shifts, pickup van patrols | Markets, streets, alleys |
| Foot & Motorcycle Patrol | 1,500 | Routine and rapid response patrols | Residential areas, main roads |
| Traffic Police | 4,000 | Traffic management, on-the-spot crime response | Major intersections, city arteries |
| RAB Units 1,2,3,4,10 | ~1,000 | Checkpoints, patrolling, emergency response | Markets, highways, transport hubs |
| Special Teams | – | Dog squads, helicopter support | Rapid emergency deployment |
Authorities emphasise that these layered security arrangements are designed to ensure that residents can celebrate Eid safely, with minimal disruption and protection against crime across Dhaka.