No one allowed to join 'Anondo Shobhajatra' midway: DMP chief

No one will be permitted to join the 'Anondo Shobhajatra' midway once the procession starts during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali said today (13 April).

The DMP Commissioner made the remarks while talking to reporters following an inspection of the security arrangements at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka.

The traditional 'Anondo Shobhajatra' procession, held to mark Pahela Baishakh, will start from the Faculty of Fine Arts, moving through Shahbagh, TSC, Shaheed Minar, Doel Chattar, Bangla Academy and will return to the Faculty of Fine Arts, he informed.

"The entire procession route will be under stringent security surveillance. Entry via alternative or side routes will not be permitted," he added.

Assuring that there is no lack of security measures, the DMP chief said 18,000 police personnel will be deployed during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations, with members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), Bangladesh Army, and Anti-Terrorism Unit also on duty alongside the police. Intelligence agencies will be operating in coordination as well, he added.

"So far, there is no specific threat. It is expected that police will assist Dhaka University in ensuring a peaceful and successful celebration," Sazzat Ali said.

To facilitate smooth celebrations, the city has been divided into 21 sectors.

A sufficient number of both uniformed and plainclothes police will be deployed across the capital, while key installations will be searched by dog squads.

Besides, barricades will be set up at 21 key points, including Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan.

All event venues will be equipped with archways and handheld metal detectors for security screening.

Law enforcement agencies will monitor the main procession and its surrounding areas via CCTV, video cameras and drones along the entire route.

There will be ample foot patrols and specialised units including the CTTC, SWAT teams and others will be deployed as well.

To prevent incidents such as eve-teasing and snatching, plainclothes detective teams will be on duty, Sazzat Ali said.

The Commissioner also mentioned that cyber monitoring is being strengthened to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation on social media ahead of the celebrations.

He urged participants not to carry bags, sharp objects, or flammable items during the festivities. All events must conclude on time, and venues must be vacated as per the stipulated schedule.

He further warned that fireworks, sky lanterns and noise-polluting items such as whistles will not be allowed. "No commercial products may be promoted or marketed as part of the celebrations, particularly during the procession or at event venues."

The Commissioner also urged caution for those planning to attend the Chhayanaut event. "Women and children should avoid large crowds and use only the designated entry and exit points."

Entry to Suhrawardy Udyan will be permitted through three gates until 5pm, after which all gates will serve as exits.

The gate on the western side of Suhrawardy Udyan, opposite the Faculty of Fine Arts, will remain closed during the procession, with movement through that gate restricted.

Participants must enter via the Shahbagh intersection. Those joining after the Chhayanaut event must proceed via Shahbagh, Katabon and Nilkhet, and join the procession in front of the Dhaka University Vice Chancellor's residence.