Pahela Baishakh celebration must end by 6pm: Home ministry
The home ministry has announced stringent security measures for Pahela Baishakh celebrations, requiring all events at major venues including Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka University, Hatirjheel, and Rabindra Sarobar to conclude by 6:00pm.
No new visitors can be allowed entry at the events after 5:00pm, according to a press release issued today.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The decisions were taken at a high‑level meeting on law and order attended by officials from various ministries, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies.
Home ministry said the measures aim to ensure a joyful, peaceful, and uninterrupted celebration of the Bangla New Year.
No vehicles without DU stickers will be allowed to enter the campus from 7:00pm on April 13, while metro rail authorities have been requested to keep the Dhaka University Station closed on Pahela Baishakh.
Strict surveillance will be in place to ensure the security of the “Baishakhi Shobhajatra”, organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University.
Participants will not be allowed to wear decorated masks during the procession but masks can be carried in hand. Participants must join the procession at the beginning point.
For security reasons, lanterns, use of fireworks, gas balloons, and vuvuzelas have been completely banned nationwide.
Dog squads will conduct sweeping operations at key locations such as Ramna Batamul and Dhaka University, while watch towers, CCTV cameras, and sufficient archways will be installed at important points.
Plainclothes intelligence surveillance will be deployed nationwide to prevent harassment, snatching, and pick-pocketing.
The public has been advised not to carry bags, backpacks, matches, or lighters, while parents have been urged to keep identification notes with their children.
Comments