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Bangladesh on Red and Orange Alert ahead of SAARC
by Ashok Dixit

     Dhaka: Bangladeshi law enforcement and security agencies were on Saturday placed on a state of maximum "Red and Ornage Alert" ahead of the twice-postponed two-day 13th SAARC Summit. A curfew-like situation prevails in Dhaka, the national capital, as leaders of seven South Asian nations - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka - settle down to delivering their statements and messages on a number of unfulfilled pledges made during the past two decades, when the concept of SAARC was first mooted by former Bangladeshi President Zia-ur-Rahman. The paranoia over a possible bomb attack has led to high visibility security measures have been put in place in Dhaka with the elite RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) personnel patrolling the metropolis in their siren-wailing motorcycles. Police vehicles have been plying up and down the city's main thoroughfares for the past week to guard against any unforseen event. Strategic places in the city and in other parts of the country, especially at important public and private establishments, diplomatic zones, launch and bus terminals, and along the country's border have also been secured.

     Members of SSF and the President's Guard Regiment (PGR) have been made jointly responsible for the security at Zia International Airport, the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre (where the Summit will take place) and the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel (where the VVIPs are putting up). The Zia International Airport is now under a state of "Orange Alert" till November 14. The members of Special Security Forces (SSF) will be guarding these dignitaries round the clock till they depart on Sunday. Inspector-General of Police Abdul Quiyyum told media persons on Friday that security agencies were in a state of full preparedness. A total of 30,000 members of police, RAB, BDR, Ansar, SB, DB of different law enforcing agencies have been deployed as a security blanket over Dhaka city and its adjoining districts, he said. Some 5000 members of the five battalions of RAB were deployed to improve the law and order situation across the country. The RAB personnel would also use two helicopters for aerial surveillance. A security blanket has been placed on air, land and waterways during the summit. Check posts have already been set up at every entry and exit point on land and waterways for making the security foolproof. All vehicles and passengers are being routinely checked at key points in the capital and all police stations are under orders to maintain a vigil in their respective jurisdictions. The dog squads of the law enforcers were also kept ready.

     The Bangladesh Home Ministry has ordered the closure of the popular Kawran vegetable and fish Bazar for four days from November 10 to November 13 citing security considerations.Close Circuit Cameras have been set up at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel to ensure the security of the guests. Lists of criminals, outlawed extremists and militants have also been collected. Different agencies have been directed to conduct block raids on different guesthouses, slums and crime points in the city. Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan told journalists that he is happy with the prevailing security arrangements. He also said that final touches have been given to the Dhaka Declaration, but added that the Summit leaders would eventually determine its final composition. He, however, hinted late on Friday night during a visit to the Media Centre at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel that the leaders would be placing their emphasis on health, poverty alleviation and economic integration issues.