The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has taken special security measures across the country to maintain law and order and prevent sabotage, violence and other untoward incidents ahead of August 15.

RAB’s Law and Media Wing disclosed the information in a press release issued on Thursday.

According to the release, security has been strengthened at sensitive locations, while intelligence surveillance has been intensified. Intelligence teams in plain clothes have also been deployed, and cyber patrols have been stepped up to prevent rumours and misinformation on social media.

RAB said each of its battalions has reviewed potential security threats in their respective areas and prepared security plans to prevent any banned organisation, extremist group or criminal network from carrying out subversive activities.

Security measures have been strengthened at sensitive locations within the areas of responsibility of individual battalions. Intelligence surveillance has also been intensified on the activities and movements of extremist groups, banned organisations and other groups that may attempt to create an unstable situation around political programmes across the country.

RAB will conduct security operations under its own command. However, coordination has been established, where necessary, with the Special Security Force (SSF), local administration, other law enforcement agencies and intelligence organisations.

To strengthen intelligence activities and collect information in advance, area-based contacts, informants and sources have been engaged. Plain-clothes intelligence teams are monitoring routes leading to and from programme venues, while information is also being collected on suspected individuals and members of banned organisations in the areas concerned.

RAB personnel have been deployed around political programme venues and surrounding areas to prevent any untoward incident. Special precautions have also been taken to prevent members of banned organisations, criminal groups or extremist outfits from infiltrating events organised around August 15 and creating disorder.

The force said necessary security and preventive measures have been taken alongside intensified intelligence operations to prevent sabotage and other unlawful activities by suspected individuals or banned organisations.

Cyber patrols have also been strengthened to prevent rumours and misinformation on social media. RAB warned that immediate action would be taken against anyone attempting to create disorder by posting misleading content, comments or images on social media.

RAB’s Bomb Disposal Unit has been kept on standby to respond immediately if explosives or explosive-like materials are detected anywhere.

RAB said it remains committed to ensuring public safety, preventing and detecting crimes, and bringing offenders to justice during the August 15 period.

The force also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and immediately inform the nearest law enforcement agency if they notice any suspicious person, object or activity.