DMP confident of safe Pahela Baishakh celebrations
Sarwar said that the DMP has divided the capital into nine sectors and 14 sub-sectors.
There is no threat of terror attacks during the upcoming Pahela Baishakh celebrations, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner Md Sarwar has said.
He made the remarks today (12 April) while speaking to reporters at a temporary DMP control room after inspecting security arrangements at the Ramna Batamul.
Responding to a question, he said there is no such threat for Pahela Baishakh. However, police have strong preparations in place to deal with any situation, he added.
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Earlier, he said large gatherings are expected across the capital on 14 April. To ensure people from all walks of life can celebrate without disruption, the DMP has taken extensive security measures, he added.
Sarwar said that the DMP has divided the capital into nine sectors and 14 sub-sectors.
A large number of police personnel, both in uniform and in plain clothes, will be deployed, he said, adding that key locations will be searched by dog squads and bomb disposal teams.
According to him, 14 checkpoints will be set up in Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan and Dhaka University areas. Archways and hand-held metal detectors will be used at entry points. Surveillance will be maintained through CCTV, video cameras, still cameras and drones. Observation towers and rooftop deployments will also be in place.
Special teams in plain clothes will work to prevent eve-teasing and other crimes, he said, adding that there will also be monitoring to prevent uncontrolled entry of hawkers.
Cyber patrols have been strengthened to counter rumours and misinformation on social media, the officer said.
Regarding specific events, he said the Chhayanaut programme at Ramna Batamul will take place from 6:15am to 8:25am. Entry and exit will be managed through designated gates, with separate gates for men, women and performers, he added.
He went on to say that the traditional procession organised by Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts will begin at 9am. The route will pass Shahbagh, TSC and Doel Chattar before returning to the starting point. The entire route will remain under strict security. All programmes must end by 6pm.
After 5pm, all gates of Ramna Park will be used only for exit, and no entry will be allowed.
He again added that from 5am on 14 April, traffic diversions will be in place in Shahbagh and nearby areas. Barricades will be set up at 14 key points, including Banglamotor, Kakrail, High Court and Nilkhet.
Commuters have been advised to use alternative routes.
Designated parking facilities will be available. Fire service, ambulances, medical teams and naval police divers will remain on standby.
The additional commissioner urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activity to the national emergency service 999 or the DMP control room.
