Police: End Pohela Boishakh celebrations by 2pm due to Ramadan

All outdoor Pohela Boishakh celebrations in Dhaka will have to end by 2pm on the Bangla New Year, says the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

“We have taken the decision due to Ramadan. We will close all entrances at the Ramna park at 1pm, only one exit will be open to allow the people to leave. No one would be allowed at the park after 2pm,” Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam told a media call on Tuesday after inspecting security arrangements at the park. 

There will be heavy traffic in several parts of the city as a result of the Pohela Baishakh event, he said before adding most of the law enforcers who will be on duty that day would be fasting. 

To ensure the safety of the public, the park is equipped with CCTV cameras, and several checkpoints, watchtowers, and archways will be set up soon, said the Dhaka metro police chief.

DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam speaks at Dhaka's Ramna Park Tuesday, April 12, 2022 Bangla Tribune

The Rapid Action Battalion’s bomb squad, dog squad, and fire fighters would be deployed at the venue, he added.

"Keeping in mind the 2001 Ramna Park bombings, we always prioritize the security of the public during these celebrations,” said Commissioner Islam.

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Everyone will be thoroughly searched before they join Mongol Shobhajatra, and nobody will be allowed to enter the procession afterward. 

The DMP commissioner also urged people to avoid using loud instruments during the celebration.