Dhaka Metropolitan Police announced that scores of agents will be deployed to protect churches. “No roadside vendors will be allowed near churches,” said Dhaka’s police commissioner. “Church goers will be searched with metal detectors and other security instruments before entering.”
Dhaka (AsiaNews) – Bangladesh's small Christian community will celebrate Christmas under conditions of maximum security, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) announced.
Christian leaders met with police representatives at DMP headquarters (pictured) in Dhaka. “We have taken proper security measures for ahead Christmas and New Year celebrations,” said DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam during the meeting. “I recommended more than one prayer or Mass be conducted at churches to follow COVID-19 health safety guidelines.”
In Dhaka, all the areas where Christians live will be under tight security, the commissioner explained. “We will keep fire and ambulance services ready during Christmas celebration near churches with many police officers deployed. No roadside vendors will be allowed near churches. Church goers will be searched with metal detectors and other security instruments before entering,” he explained.
Commissioner Islam also said that religious sites should follow government guidelines like social distancing and wearing masks in church, mosque or temple.
“I ask those in charge of every church to provide soap for hand washing or disinfectant. For security reasons, all bags are prohibited in churches.”
On 1 July 2016, an Islamist commando attacked the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan, killing 29 people, including nine Italians.
After the incident, the government deployed police agents at Dhaka’s main churches. During Christmas celebrations, police will provide security to all Bangladeshi churches.
Nirmol Rozario, president of the Bangladesh Christian Association, was one of the Christian leaders present at yesterday’s meeting.
“We thank the government for providing security during Christmas to all the churches in the country,” he said. “We hope to be able to celebrate our main religious festivity peacefully.”