Pahela Baishakh: DMP draws up 'foolproof security plan'

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) yesterday said a "foolproof security plan" has been drawn up focusing on traditional celebrations and festivities of the Bangla New Year or Pahela Baishakh on Friday.

All of Dhaka University (DU), Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan has been placed under CCTV surveillance using three control rooms, DMP Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman Mia told a press briefing at the DMP media centre.

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There will be separate entry and exit points for the park and udyan where visitors will be thoroughly frisked, he said.

Some 11,000 uniformed police will be mobilised, primarily for the three venues, along with those in plainclothes and members of other law enforcement agencies while special teams will be working to prevent mugging and stalking.

“There is no specific security threat this year,” said Asaduzzaman, adding that law enforcement agencies were capable of handling any security situation.

The ban on wearing masks in "Mongol Shovajatra" and vuvuzelas will stay in effect for a second consecutive year. However, participants can hold in their hands masks and models of objects associated with Bangali heritage.

Once in motion under police escort, none will be allowed to join the procession arranged by the DU fine arts faculty, said Asaduzzaman.

Open-air programmes in DU have been asked to close by 6:00pm and elsewhere by 5:00pm. Indoor celebrations can be held once permission has been taken from the authorities concerned.

A map on diversion plans for 27 points has been prepared as roads leading to DU from the Sonargaon intersection, Kataban, Paltan, Chankharpool and Nilkhet will be sealed off.

DMP has made DU off limits to motorcycles and banned pillion passengers outside. However, consideration will be given if the passenger is the spouse or offspring of the rider.

Even after 6:00pm, only vehicles carrying stickers issued by the DU authorities will be allowed to enter. Last year, this ban was relaxed the following day.