Tight security for Pahela Baishakh celebration: Kamal

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today said the government is committed to ensure tight security across the country for smooth celebration of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year on April 14.

"We have taken all out measures to ensure fool-proof security for smooth and peaceful celebration of the traditional Bahela Baishakh," he told BSS here today.

Kamal said law enforcement agencies have been asked to beef up security in Ramna park area, Dhaka university campus, Shahbag and Suhrawardy Udyan and Dhanmondi Lake areas to ensure security on that day.

"Necessary closed circuit cameras and watch towers will be installed all important spots along with deployment of law enforcement agencies on the day to avert any unwanted incident," he added.

The minister said more than one person would not be allowed on a motorcycle on Pahela Baishakh, and urged all to refrain from carrying any bag at celebration places.

According to a meeting on security issue, the authorities concerned were asked to refrain from arranging any cultural programme at open places after 5 pm on the day of Pahela Baishakh for security concern. The law enforcement agencies will remain vigilant so that no one could continue any programme at open places after 5 pm. The meeting also decided to ban the use of any instrument that can create loud sound during 'Mangal Shobhajatra'.

Besides, members of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Rapid Action Battalion, Special Branch of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, and Plain Clothe Police, Battalion Police, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), bomb disposal unit and dog squad will be deployed and metal detector archways would be placed at all major celebration venues on the day.

Another security concern meeting was held recently at DMP Headquarters with DMP Commissioner M Asaduzzaman Miah in the chair.

The DMP boss in that meeting said Ramna Park and Suhrawardi Udyan areas will be under complete CCTV surveillance, adding, "Police in uniform and in undercover will be deployed in and around the function arenas including Ramna Park."

Visitors will have to enter the venue through archways and metal detector checking. Watchtowers will be installed in all the important places to monitor the movement of people, he added. The DMP commissioner urged the citizens not to bring or carry any kinds of bag, bundle, musk, umbrella, arms and knives at the venues of the function or during the Mangal Shovajatra.

Source: BSS