Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Acting Commissioner Md Sarwar on Sunday said extensive security measures have been taken to ensure that people from all walks of life can celebrate the Bengali New Year peacefully.
There is no intelligence information indicating any militant threat centering the Pahela Baishakh celebrations and law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to respond to any situation.
He made the remarks while responding to questions at a press briefing at a temporary DMP control room in Ramna Park area in the capital.
The DMP acting commissioner said the entire Dhaka Metropolitan area has been divided into nine sectors and 14 sub-sectors for effective security management.
A large number of police personnel both in uniform and plainclothes will be deployed in each area.
Specialised units including dog squads and bomb disposal teams will conduct sweeping operations at key venues.
Fourteen security checkpoints with barricades will be set up in areas including Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, and Dhaka University and cisitors will be screened using archways and handheld metal detectors at entry points.
Surveillance will be strengthened through CCTV cameras, video and still cameras, and drones.
Observation towers will be installed, rooftops will be monitored, and special forces will also be deployed, he added.
To prevent eve-teasing, mugging, and pickpocketing, plainclothes teams will remain active, while additional monitoring systems will be in place to control unauthorised hawker entry.
The commissioner also said cyber patrolling has been intensified to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation on social media.
The traditional Chhayanaut programme at Ramna Batamul will be held from 6:15am to 8:25am with designated entry and exit gates including separate gates for men, women, and performers.
Organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University, Baishakhi Shobhajatra will begin at 9am and follow a route from the faculty through Shahbagh, TSC, and Doel Chattar before returning to the starting point.
The entire procession route will remain under strict security and all programmes must conclude by 6pm.
After 5pm, all gates of Ramna Park will be used only for exit, and no further entry will be allowed.
Regarding traffic management, the DMP said vehicular movement will be diverted in Shahbagh and adjoining areas from 5am on April 14.
Barricades will be placed at 14 key points, including Banglamotor, Kakrail, the High Court area, and Nilkhet, and commuters have been advised to use alternative routes.
Designated parking arrangements will be available at selected locations while emergency services, including fire service units, ambulances, medical teams, and naval police divers, will remain on standby.
The DMP assistant commissioner requested everyone to assist law enforcement agencies and report any suspicious activity to the national emergency helpline 999 or the DMP control room.