DHAKA, May 23, 2026 (BSS) – The government has announced a nationwide security and monitoring plan ahead of Eid-ul-Azha 2026, focusing on safe travel, cattle market security, prevention of extortion, smooth transportation and uninterrupted public services during the holiday period.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed made the announcement while speaking after a high-level inter-ministerial meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat recently.

“We have taken wide-ranging decisions to ensure public safety and smooth Eid celebrations across the country,” he said.

According to the minister, a special monitoring cell has been activated at Police Headquarters which will remain operational for seven days before and seven days after Eid.

Emergency hotlines from the police, Fire Service, Road Transport Ministry, BIWTC, and other agencies will remain active throughout the period, he said.

“We have discussed all aspects related to Eid security, including road and highway safety, prevention of accidents, security at cattle markets, transportation of sacrificial animal hides, and uninterrupted monitoring by law enforcement agencies,” the minister said.

Police, RAB, BGB and Intelligence Agencies on Nationwide Duty

The government assigned special responsibilities to the Police Headquarters, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), intelligence agencies, Highway Police, metropolitan police units and district administrations to maintain law and order during Eid.

RAB will strengthen intelligence surveillance, anti-crime patrols and rapid response operations to prevent extortion, robbery, mugging, drug trafficking and other criminal activities on highways, cattle markets, launch terminals and transport hubs.

Law enforcement agencies were instructed to use body-worn cameras, plainclothes monitoring and mobile patrols to identify extortionists and ensure safe transportation of sacrificial animals across the country.

Cattle Market Security Tightened

Authorities decided to strengthen surveillance at cattle markets nationwide through CCTV cameras, adequate lighting, security checkpoints and deployment of law enforcement personnel.

According to official figures, Dhaka North City Corporation approved 15 cattle markets, Dhaka South 11, while 127 markets were approved in other metropolitan areas. Nationwide, 4,259 cattle markets have so far received official leases.

Bangladesh Bank will direct commercial banks to install counterfeit currency detection booths at cattle markets to prevent circulation of fake notes during Eid trading.

Ansar personnel may also be deployed at markets if requested by local authorities or market leaseholders.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will provide 150 fake currency detector machines at the capital’s cattle markets.  

Special Measures Against Extortion

The Home Minister acknowledged that extortion incidents occurred in previous years during transportation of sacrificial animals on highways and waterways.

“To address the issue, dedicated hotline numbers have been introduced for immediate complaints,” he said, adding that immediate legal action would be taken against anyone involved in extortion or harassment.

Nationwide anti-extortion drives against criminals, drug traffickers, armed gangs and illegal gambling operations have been ongoing since April 30, according to the minister.

Road and Waterway Safety Prioritised

Police will use speed guns on highways to control reckless driving during Eid travel, while wreckers and emergency support services will remain on standby.

Authorities also instructed relevant ministries to repair damaged roads and potholes before the peak holiday rush.

Police Headquarters issued a comprehensive public safety advisory urging passengers not to travel on rooftops of buses, trains and launches or in trucks and unsafe goods vehicles. Travellers were also advised not to pressure drivers to overspeed and to avoid unfit vehicles and unskilled drivers.

The advisory warned passengers about criminal groups such as “Oggan Party” and “Molom Party” and requested citizens not to accept food or drinks from strangers during journeys. Suspicious activities should be reported through the national emergency service 999.

River Police Intensify Waterway Security

Additional IGP of River Police Md Rezaul Karim said River Police had already instructed officers across the country to remain active on waterways and prevent overloading, extortion, theft and operation of defective vessels during Eid travel.

River Police will intensify patrols at river terminals, cattle markets on riverbanks and launch routes to ensure safe transportation of passengers, sacrificial animals and rawhides.

Authorities also directed launch operators to follow weather forecasts strictly and maintain life jackets and rescue equipment onboard vessels.

DMP Coordination for Capital Security

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) held a coordination meeting chaired by DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed to discuss traffic management and security arrangements in the capital during Eid.

The commissioner said special drives against extortionists, muggers and drug traffickers are underway and stressed that overcrowding on launches would not be tolerated.

He also urged all government agencies to coordinate closely to ensure smooth and hassle-free Eid journeys for residents.

BGB Deployment in Key Areas

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has deployed personnel in strategic areas including New Market, Elevated Expressway, Savar’s Nabinagar and Baipal, Gazipur City Corporation and Gazipur Chowrasta to maintain law and order and reduce traffic congestion.

According to officials, BGB members will remain deployed from seven days before Eid until three days after Eid and will assist executive magistrates in conducting mobile court operations at toll plazas, highways and congestion-prone areas.

Rawhide Preservation and Workers’ Payments

The government approved a special programme to distribute salt free of cost across the country to preserve sacrificial animal hides and prevent spoilage.

Religious leaders, mosques, Islamic Foundation and the Ministry of Religious Affairs will run awareness campaigns encouraging people to apply salt to rawhides within two hours after slaughtering sacrificial animals.

The Home Minister also urged factory owners to clear workers’ salaries and Eid bonuses before the holidays and said discussions were held regarding support measures for struggling industrial units.

Authorities said all agencies will remain on maximum alert to ensure a safe, secure and peaceful Eid-ul-Azha celebration across Bangladesh.