Security measures weighed ahead of Baishakh celebration

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan today said stringent security measures have been taken for smooth celebration of Pahela Baishakh across the country.

"The authorities concerned have been asked to refrain from arranging any cultural programme at open places after 5 pm while the authorities concerned of Rabindra Sarobar have been asked to end their programme by 7 pm," said the Minister while talking to reporters after a meeting on the preparation of Pahela Baishakh, held at the Secretariat.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner and high officials concerned of police were present in the meeting.

Several watch towers will be set up while adequate search lights will be arranged at Ramna Batamul area, he said.

Besides, a number of mobile courts will be deployed in Ramna and Dhaka University area to avoid sabotage activities, said Asaduzzaman.

None will be allowed to wear mask at Mangal Shobhajatra which will be cordoned off by police for the sake of security, he said.

The law enforcement agencies will provide special security to rallies brought out by the Dhaka South unit Awami League at Bahadur Shah Park and Jagannath University (JnU) premises, he added.

People can have pure drinking water from 20 points of the capital at free of cost, said the Minister.