Dhaka, Feb 25 (V7N)- The much-awaited Amar Ekushey Book Fair is set to begin tomorrow, Thursday (Feb 26), with law enforcement agencies putting in place extensive security arrangements to ensure a smooth and safe event.

Police and SWAT teams will remain on high alert throughout the fair, which will be held at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.

During an inspection of the venue on Wednesday morning, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Police Commissioner (Administration) Md. Sarwar said a police control room has been set up at the fair premises, from where 24-hour surveillance will be conducted.

He said adequate numbers of police personnel will be deployed on the ground, alongside special plain-clothes teams. Security will be further strengthened during weekends, while around 300 CCTV cameras will monitor the venue round the clock. Separate security measures have also been arranged for women and children.

Traffic restrictions will be in force in the Dhaka University area throughout the fair period, with heavy vehicles barred both day and night. Authorities have set up three diversion points at TSC, Doel Chattar and Hakim Chattar to ease congestion.

Police said they will remain vigilant to prevent any activities that could disrupt order, including monitoring books to ensure none hurt religious sentiments. Security personnel will also keep watch to prevent any untoward incidents involving crowds.

However, officials noted that not all stalls have been fully prepared yet, with final preparations continuing ahead of the opening day.

END/SMA/AJ