Dhaka: The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali today announced that there is no security threat concerning the upcoming celebrations of Pahela Baishakh, marking the first day of the Bangla New Year. “There is no security threat over the Pahela Baishakh celebrations. However, we have taken comprehensive security measures, dividing the metropolitan area into 21 sectors to ensure a peaceful celebration of the festival,” stated the DMP Commissioner while addressing journalists after a security inspection at Ramna Batamul, located in the capital’s Ramna Park.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DMP chief called for active cooperation from the public to facilitate a disturbance-free festival for everyone, irrespective of race, religion, or caste. The commissioner detailed the deployment of both uniformed and plainclothes policemen to maintain peace during the celebrations.
Key areas will be closely monitored by dog squads and constant CCTV surveillance, with drones keeping watch over Ramna Batamul and the Ananda Shovajatra procession routes continuously. Earlier, the DMP’s Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, SWAT, Bomb Disposal Team, and K-9 Unit carried out a security drill at Ramna Batamul to practice emergency response scenarios.
Festival-goers will be required to pass through archways and hand-held metal detectors at event venues, particularly at Ramna Batamul. The DMP Commissioner emphasized public cooperation with security checks, prohibiting masks, bags, sharp objects, and flammable materials from being brought to the venue. Event programs are expected to conclude within set timings.
Attendees are advised against bringing lanterns, fireworks, and flutes to avoid causing noise disturbances. Adequate foot patrols and security measures are established around the event venue and along the procession route.
Observation towers have been set up at strategic locations to oversee the venues, with forces stationed on rooftops to ensure foolproof security. The DMP chief mentioned a specialized team tasked with preventing hawkers from entering and causing disruptions.
Plainclothes officers are deployed to counter eve-teasing, robbery, and pickpocketing. Additionally, a ‘Lost and Found Center’ has been established within Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan. Enhanced intelligence surveillance and cyber patrolling are in place to avert the spread of false information that could lead to disorderly situations.