‘Foolproof security plan’ for Pahela Baishakh

- DU, Ramna, Suhrawardy under strict monitoring

- Mongol Sovajatra to be escorted by cops

- Road curbs to be placed, diversion at 27 points

- No specific security threat, DMP boss says

Dhaka Metropolitan Police has drawn up a “foolproof security plan” for April 14, the day of Bangla New Year celebration known as the Pahela Baishakh.

Every inch of Dhaka University, Ramna and Suhrawardy Udyan has been placed under CCTV surveillance, said Asaduzzaman Mia, commissioner of DMP.

Additionally, there will be separate entry and exit points to Ramna and Suhrawardy Udyan, where visitors will be frisked thoroughly, he said at a press briefing today.

Some 11,000 uniformed policemen, members of other law enforcement agencies and plainclothes will be keeping an eye on the celebrations. Three control rooms will be set up to monitor CCTVs.

“There has been no specific security alarm for this year’s Pahela Baishakh,” Mia said. “Our law enforcement agencies are capable to handle any kind of security situation.”

Mongol Shobhajatra to be escorted

Restrictions have been placed on the Mongol Shobhajatra – the colourful procession trademark to the Pahela Baishakh celebrations. The rally will be thoroughly escorted by policemen.

Participants will have to join in the rally from the start as escorting policemen will not allow anyone to join in while the rally will be in motion, Asaduzzaman Mia said.

The standing bar on masks remains. Masks cannot be worn, but can be held on hands.

Meanwhile, open-air programmes at Dhaka University area have been asked to shut by 6:00pm. Elsewhere in Dhaka, the curb has been placed for 5:00pm.

Indoor celebrations can be held under permission.
 

Road curbs placed, diversion at 27 points

Diversions have been planned for 27 points in the city for April 14 as entry to Dhaka University area from Kataban, Sonargaon intersection, Paltan, Chankharpool and Nilkhet will be sealed off.

A map of the diverted routes has been prepared.

The standing bar on pillion for motorcycles remains. However, riders who will be carrying their wives or children will be considered separately. Dhaka University will remain off limits to motorcycles.

No outside vehicles will be allowed to enter Dhaka University area after the programmes have been closed at 6:00pm. Only stickered vehicles will be allowed.

Source: thedailystar