Dhaka Secures City with 16,000 Police, RAB Personnel

In preparation for the holy Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have undertaken extensive security measures to ensure law and order and safeguard residents in the capital.

With the government-declared seven-day Eid holiday spanning from 17 to 23 March, the city is expected to experience a significant exodus of residents travelling to their hometowns. To maintain security in this period, at least 16,000 police and RAB personnel have been deployed across Dhaka. The authorities have intensified patrolling, established checkpoints, and increased monitoring in commercial centres and residential areas to prevent crimes such as burglary, snatching, and robbery. Special attention is being paid to gold markets, which are traditionally targeted during holidays.

DMP officials explained that past incidents show that thieves sometimes collaborate with security staff to conduct robberies. In response, the DMP and RAB have designed targeted pre- and post-Eid security plans, ensuring that both routine and high-risk areas receive adequate protection.

Acting Commissioner of the DMP, Md. Sarwar, told the press that over 15,000 police officers are actively deployed in the city, with many officers’ leave cancelled to meet security demands. Once the city’s residents depart, the focus shifts to maintaining safety in markets, shopping centres, transport hubs, and residential neighbourhoods. Traffic police personnel are also armed and assigned to key roads, alleys, and public areas to control both traffic and crime.

To reinforce security, sensitive locations—including marketplaces, bus stations, rail stations, and launch terminals—are receiving additional patrolling from both police and RAB units. Special operations teams remain active at night to apprehend robbers, snatchers, and organised criminal groups.

DMP officials have deployed 4,500 officers in three daily shifts, using 300 pickup vans for city-wide patrols, complemented by 1,500 officers conducting foot patrols and regular motorcycle patrols. Meanwhile, traffic management is handled by another 4,000 officers per day, all equipped with arms for rapid response.

The RAB is also playing a critical role, with nearly 1,000 members from RAB units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10 stationed in Dhaka. Wing Commander M.Z.M. Intekhab Chowdhury, Director of Law and Media at RAB, said over 30 checkpoints and more than 50 patrolling teams operate nightly from 11 pm to 6 am, based on prior crime trends. Cyber monitoring units are countering rumours and misinformation, while mobile courts prevent ticket scalping and highway patrols prevent robberies. Dog squads and helicopters remain on standby for emergency situations.

Deployment Summary Table

The DMP and RAB have reiterated that the safety of Dhaka’s residents and their property remains a top priority during the Eid period, with multiple layers of security ensuring a safe and peaceful celebration.