This year, the programmes for celebrating Pahela Baishakh must end by 2 pm and setting up of food stalls will not be allowed at Ramna fair premises due to Ramadan.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said these on Tuesday at a press briefing after overseeing the security arrangements at the city’s Ramna Batamul ahead of Bengali New Year.
He said, “After remaining suspended for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the traditional festival welcoming the Bengali New Year will be celebrated this year on a limited scale. Due to Ramadan New Year celebration will be a little bit different this year as no food stall including that of ‘Panta Bhat’ will be permitted.”
He said Chhayanaut was asked to end the celebration progammes by 11 am and the concerned authorities were asked to wind up fair at Ramna by 2 pm so that people can easily have their Iftar after getting out from here. From 1 pm all the entrances of the fair area will be closed.
The DMP Commissioner said to attend Mangal Shobhajatra, people will have to undergo checking and the members of law enforcement agencies will ensure no one joins the procession halfway.
Several check posts will be installed at Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, TSC, Dhaka University and some other points in the area, he said adding no vehicles will be allowed during the programmes in the area.
“The whole area will remain under CCTV surveillance and it will be examined thoroughly today and tomorrow. SWAT and bomb disposal units will be deployed in the area,” he added.
Mentioning the terrorist attack in 2001, the DMP Commissioner said, “We have taken plan keeping such kind of attack in mind. A separate team will remain prepared to rescue people if any unpleasant incident occurs.”
The DMP commissioner said plainclothes police members will be on the ground to prevent eve-teasing.
He requested people not to bring small children at the fair premises as there will be no food shop in the area.
“Wearing masks and carrying musical instruments that make loud noises will not be allowed,” he added.