Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has tightened security across the capital ahead of Holy Ashura on Friday, with preparations centred at Hussaini Dalan Imambara in Old Dhaka.
DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said on Tuesday that there is “no fear of attack” surrounding Ashura, adding that a four-tier security arrangement has been put in place to ensure a peaceful observance and prevent any sabotage or untoward incident.
He said surveillance has been intensified at all religious sites using drones and CCTV cameras. The Bomb Disposal Unit and K9 teams have already swept key venues, while SWAT, bomb disposal and other specialised units will remain on standby.
Cyber patrolling and social media monitoring are also underway to curb rumours and misinformation online.
According to the DMP, 63 Tazia processions will be brought out by 28 Imambaras across the Dhaka Metropolitan area between 1 and 10 Muharram. Separate routes have been designated for each procession.
Fire Service and Civil Defence units, including fire tenders, ambulances and trained divers, will be deployed for emergency response. Special attention has been given to the waterbody adjacent to Karbala at Dhanmondi Lake, where a diving team will be stationed.
Key religious sites including Hussaini Dalan, Anjuman Haidary, Boro Katra Imambara, Shia Mosque, Bibi Ka Rawza, and Bihari camps in Mirpur and Mohammadpur are under special surveillance.
The commissioner said the height of standards carried in Tazia processions will not exceed 12 feet.
The DMP has also prepared a traffic management plan for the processions. The main Tazia procession will conclude at the Shia Mosque in Mohammadpur, passing through Bakshibazar, Azimpur, New Market, Jigatola and Sat Masjid Road. Traffic diversions will remain in place from 10am on Friday until the procession ends, with residents urged to avoid these roads.
Traffic advisory (cleaned structure)
The DMP Traffic-Lalbagh Division has issued special traffic instructions to ensure smooth movement during the procession.
From Wednesday evening until completion of the procession (around 10:30pm), and again in phases through Thursday night and Friday, traffic movement in parts of Lalbagh Division will be restricted or temporarily closed.
The procession routes will include key stretches from Hussaini Dalan through Bakshibazar, Chawkbazar, Nazimuddin Road, Azimpur, New Market, Mirpur Road, Science Laboratory, Dhanmondi, Jigatala and Sat Masjid Road, before ending at Dhanmondi Lake (Karbala) area.
Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes and follow instructions from traffic police.