All Pahela Baishakh programmes must end by 5pm: DMP

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Thursday said all out security measures have been taken to ensure foolproof security of Pahela Baisakh celebration in the capital, reports UNB.

“Strong and co-ordinated security measures have been taken as people can celebrate Pahela Baisakh in a festive mood,” said DMP commissioner Asaduzaman Miah while briefing journalists at the DMP media centre.

The commissioner also said all the programmes of Pahela Baisakh must end by 5:00pm while Rabindra Sarobar’s programme by 7:00pm.

Police will keep cordoned off the important venues including Dhaka University campus, Ramna park, Teachers-Student Centre (TSC), Shahbag and Suhrawardy Udyan areas for ensuring smooth celebration of the first day of Bangla new year, he added.

Also, no vehicles will be allowed to enter the areas in Nilkhet, Palashi and Bangla Motor areas, he added.

The DMP chief said people have to enter the venues through archway and metal detectors.

The security measures will also be applicable for people in Hatirjheel and Rabindra Sarobar areas, said Asaduzzaman.

All the open venues will be under CCTV coverage and separate watch towers will also be set up in important areas, he said.

He also asked people to refrain from carrying any vanity bag, bags, trolleys, inflammable things, knives, and any sharp weapons.

The areas where people will go for celebration will be sweep by dog squad and Special Weapon And Tactics (SWAT) as well as bomb disposal units will be deployed, said the DMP Commissioner.

Besides, a special team will be deployed to prevent eve-teasing during the festival, he said.

The DMP chief said no one will be allowed to wear masks and play Vuvuzela on the day to avert any unpleasant incident. The law enforcers will escort the Mongol Shobhajatra to be brought out by the students of fine arts institute of Dhaka University.

Separate patrol teams of the navy will be deployed in Hatirjheel and Rabindra Sarobar areas and divers and fire service unit will remain standby, he said.