Cops step up security at city Bangla mission, Marquis St to ensure ‘nothing challenges peace’
Times of India | 6 August 2024
12 Kolkata: Security outside the Bangladesh deputy high commissioner’s office in Beckbagan was scaled up on Monday as weeks of violent protests in Bangladesh led to the neighbouring country’s PM Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure and the Army’s takeover of the govt there. Following order from the top administration here, Kolkata Police and security agency officers were deployed in places, usually frequented by Bangladeshis, to ensure “nothing can challenge peace here or that the diplomats’ security is not taken for granted”.
A police officer said around 20 extra personnel were deployed in the vicinity of the Bangladesh deputy commissioner’s residence. Besides the battalions, local cops and Special Branch members were directed to see to it that no form of protest or celebration was staged in the vicinity. “We have deployed men in plainclothes in areas, such as New Market, Park Street and Mukundapur, to ensure no celebration takes place that may hurt anyone’s sentiments,” said a top official.
Bangladeshis putting up at hotels on Marquis Street did take out a rally around 3:35 pm but an alert was raised at Lalbazar, following which cops from the New Market PS reached the spot and dispersed the gathering within 15 minutes. Soon after, more than 15 plainclothed cops were found roaming the street and adjacent lanes, not allowing people to huddle together in groups. A police van from the New Market PS patrolled Marquis Street, popularly known as ‘Mini Bangladesh’.
“We were not allowed to roam on the streets and share our excitement with other Bangladeshis here,” said Enamul Mollah from Dhaka, now putting up at a hotel on Marquis Street. Even shop owners in the area were seen asking Bangladeshi citizens to return to their hotels. “We don’t want disruption of peace in our locality. It is better not to celebrate here,” said a businessman, who runs a garments shop on Marquis Street.
With hardly any business since afternoon, hotel owners and businessmen were worried about which direction the situation might turn. “There are many types of people staying here. A celebration by a certain group can lead to a flare-up,” cautioned Liton Ghosh, who has a currency exchange kiosk on Marquis Street.