Pahela Baishakh celebrations must end by 6:00pm: Home minister

Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal`s file photo
Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal`s file photo

Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Wednesday said programmes to celebrate Pahela Baishakh must end by 6:00pm and traditional masks cannot be used during Mongol Shovajatra (procession of good wishes), reports UNB.

He came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting on law and order at the Secretariat building.

The minister said there will be mobile court drives to fend off any untoward incident and possible act of sabotage, including eve-teasing, during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations on 14 April.

He also said the diplomatic enclaves and Dhaka University campus will be brought under strict surveillance.

As his attention was drawn to repeated fire incidents, Asaduzzaman said special helicopters will be procured for fire service and civil defence following prime minister Sheikh Hasina's directives. "Everything will be done to make it stronger and more active."