Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Khandkar Golam Faruq has said three-tier security measures have been taken on the occasion of the Pohela Boishakh.
“We have taken adequate security measures throughout Dhaka ahead of Pohela Boishakh celebrations – the Bangla new year,” he said, briefing journalists after inspecting the arrangements at Ramna Batamul on Thursday.
DMP Additional Commissioners AKM Hafiz Akhter, Dr K Mahid Uddin, Muha Ashrafuzzaman, CTTC chief Md Asaduzzaman, Md Munibur Rahman and Detective Branch chief Harun-or-Rashid, joint commissioners, deputy commissioners and officers of various units were present.
Faruq said every year the “borsho boron” ceremony begins with the music of Chhayanaut at Ramna Batamul, adding: “The Bangla New Year celebrations will start tomorrow (Friday) in the same way. Three-tier security measures have been taken on this occasion.”
He greeted all, including journalists, saying that in 2001, the militants bombed a mass gathering at Ramna Batamul to destroy and disrupt Bangali cultural heritage.
“Many innocent people lost their lives. Since then, the DMP has been providing flawless security at every place where Pohela Boishakh is celebrated in Dhaka city, including at Ramna,” the DMP chief said.
He said sweeping is being done with the DMP's dog squad and bomb disposal unit at Ramna's Batamul and surrounding areas.
The DMP commissioner said 27,00 police officers, including ones in plainclothes, will remain alert at Ramna Batamul, Dhaka University and Rabindra Sarobar areas to make the efforts a success.
During the Pohela Boishakh celebrations, some youths create a public nuisance by using loud instruments, he said and requested everyone not to use such instruments and not to enter Ramna Park with bags.
The DMP chief said a total of nine gates will be installed for entering and exiting Ramna Batamul, of which four will be used for entering the venue.
“Each gate will have an archway. None will be allowed to enter with bags. Apart from this, visitors can stay from 6am to 4pm,” he said.
Replying to a question, Faruq said: “As a Bangali, I think that New Year celebrations cannot be stopped with one or two bombs. In 1971, the Pakistani forces along with their collaborators could not suppress Bangalis with their cannons and guns. So no militant will be able to suppress us by throwing a bomb or two.”
“We are not such a fearful nation. We are a nation of heroes... The police are ready to deal with any situation,” he said.
