Bakshibazar court area goes under security blanket

FT ONLINE

Law enforcers have taken unprecedented security measures in Bakshibazar and its surrounding areas in Old Dhaka on Thursday as a makeshift court here is set to deliver verdict in a graft case against BNP Chief Khaleda Zia.

Huge police and RAB members have been deployed in the area. They have set up check-posts at different points and are searching vehicles and suspected people to prevent ‘unwarranted’ people from entering the area.

While talking to reporters after visiting the area, DMP Commissioner Asaduzaman Miah said,” We’re trying to ensure people’s security. No one is above the law.”

Law enforcers have installed a mobile network jamming device at Bakshibazar court premises.

No one, except lawyers and journalists, is allowed to enter Bakshibazar makeshift court area.

Police have cordoned off a number of BNP lawyers near the court.

While entering the court area, BNP standing committee member Barrister Moudud Ahmed said,” Now the whole country is cordoned off. No complaint against Khaleda Zia could be proved. She’ll be relieved if she gets justice.”

A huge number of law enforcers escorted Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman into the Special Court around 10:30am.

Two accused in the graft case—Kazi Salimul Haque and Sharfuddin Ahmed—were taken to the court premises in a prison van around 9:00 am.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up around Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence.

-NK