There are security concerns for this year’s Pohela Boishakh celebrations, as all necessary preparations have been completed, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali has said.
He made the statement during a press briefing on Sunday following an inspection of security arrangements at Ramna Batamul.
Highlighting specific safety measures, the DMP commissioner said no one will be permitted to join the Anondo Shobhajatra midway once the procession begins.
"The Shobhajatra, which starts from the Faculty of Fine Arts, will proceed through Shahbagh, TSC, Shaheed Minar, Doel Chattar, and Bangla Academy before returning to the starting point. The entire route will be under strict surveillance, with no access allowed via alternative or side routes."
To ensure smooth celebrations, the city has been divided into 21 sectors, with the deployment of 18,000 police personnel, including members from RAB, Bangladesh Army, and Anti-Terrorism Unit, Sazzat said.
Intelligence agencies will work in co-ordination, and no specific threat has been identified so far, he added.
The DMP chief said uniformed and plainclothes officers will be deployed, while dog squads will sweep key installations like Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan.
Barricades will be placed at 21 key points, and entry to venues will be regulated through archways and handheld metal detectors, closed-circuit television (CCTV), and drone surveillance will monitor events and the Shobhajatra route in real time, he added.
He advised that bags, sharp objects, flammable items, fireworks, sky lanterns, and noise-polluting items like whistles will not be allowed. "No commercial promotions are permitted during the festivities or processions. Participants are requested to cooperate with law enforcement during screenings and to vacate event premises on time."
The commissioner specifically urged caution for those attending the Chhayanaut event at Ramna Batamul, requesting women and children to avoid large crowds and use designated entry and exit points.
"Entry to Suhrawardy Udyan will be permitted through three gates until 5pm, after which all gates will function as exits. The western gate opposite the Faculty of Fine Arts will remain closed during the procession, with entry only allowed via the Shahbagh intersection. Participants joining after the Chhayanaut event must access the procession via Shahbagh, Katabon, and Nilkhet, joining in front of the Dhaka University vice chancellors’s residence.
"Other security enhancements include special monitoring towers, rooftop force deployment, foot patrols, Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) and Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team presence, and increased cyber surveillance to prevent misinformation and propaganda on social media. Plainclothes detectives will work to prevent eve-teasing, snatching, or pickpocketing, and Lost and Found centers will be active inside Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan."
The commissioner also mentioned that Bangla New Year programs are organized in districts, upazilas, and rural areas as well.
"Therefore, RAB’s security coverage will be expanded nationwide to ensure smooth celebrations across the country."
Comparing with previous years, he said this year’s events have been more successful in terms of both security and festive spirit.
Addressing security concerns, he recalled how Durga Puja was celebrated peacefully just a month after the interim government took office, despite initial concerns and doubts. "The government provided reassurance, and law enforcement agencies worked with puja committees to ensure a safe celebration."
He also stated that action will be taken against those involved in the fire incident at the Faculty of Fine Arts. If any negligence is found on the part of those responsible for security there, that too will be investigated and addressed.
Earlier, a demonstration was held at Ramna Batamul by the DMP’s CTTC, SWAT, Bomb Disposal Unit, and K-9 team on how to manage emergency situations.
