Security has been ratcheted up in and around the diplomatic enclave in capital Dhaka on Sunday (Mar 24).
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) says it has ramped up measure as part of its regular operation ahead of the Independence Day on Tuesday (Mar 26).
However, sources confirmed that security was increased on intelligence inputs of a possible terror attack.
“We have tightened the security a bit ahead of Mar 26. Besides that heightening security or being on alert is a regular thing. There’s nothing to panic,” Deputy Commissioner Hayatul Islam Khan of the DMPS Diplomatic Security Division told Bangla Tribune.
A source, however, said that the intelligence inputs suggested a possible attack by the Neo-JMB on a church in Dhaka or elsewhere.
Neo-JMB, the revived faction of banned militant outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh, is blamed for the deadly 2016 Holey Artisan cafe attack.
According to the source, one of the top Neo-JMB leaders, who goes by the alias Abu Mohammad Al Bangali, have called on its operatives a few a days ago to attack ‘infidels’, including law enforcers.
As part of the precautions, a number of clubs in the diplomatic zone, including the Gulshan Club and International Recreation Club, have issued security alerts to their members, DMP Gulshan Division Deputy Commissioner Mushtaq Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune.
"We are increasing security measures ahead of Mar 26, and the security alerts issued by various clubs upon instruction from us are a part of the precautions. This is something we do ahead of any special occasion," the newspaper quoted him saying.
Earlier, the English daily reported that the Gulshan Club has issued a security alert to its member on the police’s instruction.
“DMP has asked us to issue a security alert and we have notified all of the members,” the club’s Senior Manager (Administration) Nurul Alam was quoted in the report.

He said then that they have adopted additional security measures on the club premises as per police’s recommendations.