Dhaka: State Minister for Home Advocate Shamsul Haq Tuku today said the capital city and the whole country would be brought under a security blanket on Pahela Boishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year.

He said this after a meeting at the home ministry on maintaining security across the country on the Pahela Boishakh.

Presided over by the state minister, the meeting was attended by Home Ministry Senior Secretary CQK Moshtaque Ahmad, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Hassan Mahmud Khandakar, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Mokhlesur Rahman, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mokhlesur Rahman and senior officials concerned.

Shamsul Haq Tuku said Pahela Boishakh is the indigenous festival of the Bangalees, irrespective of religion, color and cast.

Initiatives have been taken so that none can give a political colour to this festival and conduct any act of sabotage on this day, he added.

"The government has taken all necessary measures to maintain law and order. Security will be ensured at the functions at Ramna Park, Dhaka University and other areas," the state minister said, adding that the law enforcers will monitor the overall situation from helicopters.

He said the district administrations have been directed to ensure security the upazila and district levels.

Shamsul Haq Tuku said the inmates of jails will be served with improved diet on the day of Pahela Boishakh.

Replying to a question, he said violence is spreading in the country under the patronage of political parties. He urges the political parties to refrain from this.

In reply to another question, the state minister said the courts have sent the BNP leaders to jail on specific charges and the home ministry has nothing to do with this.

Ends/AMA/09/04/13