DHAKA, Dec 31, 2024 (BSS) – Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have increased intelligence surveillance across the country for ensuring peaceful celebration of the 31st night and English New Year 2025.

“To ensure security on the occasion of the 'English New Year 2025' celebration, RAB have increased intelligence surveillance and security patrols at important venues across the country since  December 30,  2024,” said a RAB press release.  

A sufficient number of RAB members will be deployed across the country to strengthen security until January 1, 2025, it said

“RAB has increased intelligence surveillance in the capital city’s Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Uttara, Dhanmondi, Mirpur and other areas of Dhaka Metropolitan Area and Dhaka University alongside surrounding elite hotels and clubs and bars,” the release said.

Security has been seriously strengthened in the areas of VVIPs/VIPs, foreign diplomatic mission officials, and foreign citizens working in various mega projects and living in Bangladesh, it said.

The release said that necessary security measures will be taken to prevent sabotage activities by collecting advance information about conspirator, provocateurs, extremist organizations, banned organizations and organized criminal gangs.

“The RAB is ready for round the clock to foil any kind of sabotage plan,” it said.

 In addition, RAB is working to implement the government's instructions to close all bars and liquor shops across the country including the capital from 1800 hrs on 31 December 2024 to 1800 hrs on 01 January 2025, it said.

The RAB has also strengthened security measures and controlled the gathering of people in all tourist areas including Cox's Bazar and Kuakata, it also said.

RAB's intelligence and operational teams are ready across the country to deal with any untoward situation on the occasion of the 'English New Year 2025' celebration.

“On the night of December 31, 2024, intelligence surveillance in plain clothes will be increased by deploying force’s personnel in large numbers at important places in the country,” it also said.

The RAB has also ensured security by increasing security patrols across the country, the release said, adding that additionally RAB's cyber monitoring team has continued to ensure security through online cyber surveillance.

On the occasion of the 'English New Year 2025' celebration, the RAB called upon the countrymen not to explode firecrackers, fireworks and other fire-powered lanterns.  

“Necessary measures have been taken to stop the bursting of fireworks or firecrackers or the flying of lanterns. In addition, it is requested to refrain from organizing concerts and dances in crowded places, open spaces or on the roofs of houses and flyovers on the occasion of the New Year,” the release said.

As part of the security measures taken, check posts have been set up on various important roads while security is being ensured by searching various vehicles and pedestrians.

Dog squads are also conducting search to strengthen RAB patrols and check posts.