Dhaka– Security has been tightened in Dhaka’s diplomatic enclave, particularly around the U.S. Embassy, following a series of pro-Palestinian protests in the area on Monday.
Personnel from Border Guard Bangladesh, the Armed Police Battalion, the Special Branch, the Criminal Investigation Department, intelligence agencies, and the Bangladesh Army have been deployed to monitor the situation in the highly sensitive zone.
Additionally, security measures have been increased at other embassies in the Gulshan area.
Bangladesh’s leading Bengali daily, Prothom Alo, quoted Gulshan Zone Assistant Commissioner of Police Ali Ahmed Masud as saying that security in the diplomatic area was strengthened in response to protests demanding an end to the conflict in Gaza.
Students from Presidency University, the University of Information Technology and Sciences, and Bangladesh Navy College in Dhaka gathered in large numbers in front of the U.S. Embassy, chanting slogans in support of Palestine. Student leaders in Bangladesh had called for a nationwide “No Work, No School” campaign on Monday.
In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued a security alert, stating that demonstrations were expected to take place throughout the day on April 7. University students planned to protest and join large-scale demonstrations in Dhaka and across the country in response to the conflict in Gaza. Due to expected traffic congestion and protest activity near the embassy, the U.S. Embassy limited its public services on Monday afternoon.
“U.S. citizens should remain vigilant and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can become confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of large gatherings. Review personal security plans, stay aware of your surroundings and local events, and monitor local news stations for updates,” the statement said. (Source: IANS)
