DHAKA: Law enforcement agencies throw an unprecedented security blanket over the capital ahead of Pahela Baishakh. With the nation gearing up to welcome the Bengali New Year 1433, authorities have enforced a zero-tolerance policy against any potential disruptions, deploying elite strike forces, dog squads, and aerial surveillance to ensure foolproof security.
Over two decades ago, on April 14, 2001, a devastating bomb blast orchestrated by the banned militant outfit Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B) ripped through the Chhayanaut cultural program at Ramna Batamul, claiming numerous lives. The attack, permanently etched as a severe blow to the nation’s secular ethos, dictates the stringent security protocols witnessed today.
During a spot visit to the Ramna Batamul area on Sunday, a fortress-like atmosphere was evident. The entire perimeter has been cordoned off with bamboo barricades and saturated with CCTV cameras. Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) watchtowers stand imposing over the venue, while control rooms and emergency medical facilities remain on high alert.
Massive Multi-Tiered Deployment
Briefing the press after inspecting a security drill at Ramna Batamul on Sunday afternoon, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Acting Commissioner Md. Sarowar stated that the capital has been carved into 9 sectors and 14 sub-sectors to manage the massive influx of revelers.
“While there is no specific threat regarding the New Year, we are not leaving anything to chance. We have robust preparations to tackle any situation,” the DMP Commissioner asserted.
He confirmed that uniform and plainclothes police are heavily deployed, with vital installations routinely swept by dog squads and bomb disposal units. Barricades have been erected at 14 key transit points across the Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, and Dhaka University areas. Every attendee will be subjected to rigorous checks via archways and hand-held metal detectors.
Specialized anti-crime squads have been mobilized to curb eve-teasing, mugging, and pickpocketing, while cyber units are aggressively patrolling social media to neutralize rumors.
Speaking exclusively to Sangbad24, RAB Spokesperson Wing Commander M Z M Intekhab Chowdhury confirmed nationwide high alert.
“The Director General has issued strict directives to all RAB battalions across the country. For the premier event at Ramna Batamul, our intelligence surveillance is already highly active,” Chowdhury told Sangbad24. “On the day of the festival, our uniform foot patrols are divided into two tactical units. Two-man motorcycle teams will navigate the crowds, backed by eight-man patrol pickups to ensure rapid response.”
Schedules and Directives
To maintain order, the Home Ministry and law enforcement agencies have issued strict operational timelines and public directives:
- Chhayanaut Program: Runs strictly from 6:15 AM to 8:25 AM at Ramna Batamul. Separate entry/exit gates are designated for men, women, and performers.
- Mangal Shobhajatra: The traditional procession kicks off at 9:00 AM from the Fine Arts Faculty (Charukola), routing through Shahbagh, TSC, and Doyel Chattar before concluding at Charukola. No one is permitted to join the procession mid-route.
- Time Curfew: All public events across the capital must conclude by 6:00 PM. Ramna Park gates will become exit-only after 5:00 PM, with no fresh entries allowed post-6:00 PM.
- Traffic Diversions: Major diversions take effect from 5:00 AM in the Shahbagh periphery. Vehicles without valid stickers are barred from entering the Dhaka University campus after 7:00 PM on April 13.
Strict Bans in Effect
The Home Ministry’s working paper outlines specific prohibitions to prevent sabotage and maintain cultural decorum. Participants in the Mangal Shobhajatra are forbidden from wearing face masks, though they may carry them by hand. Placards in foreign languages or serving ulterior motives are strictly banned.
Furthermore, carrying large bags, sharp objects, and flammable materials into Ramna Park and surrounding areas is entirely prohibited. Authorities have also imposed a blanket ban on flying sky lanterns (fanush), bursting firecrackers, and blowing vuvuzelas to prevent noise pollution and panic.
Emergency services, including fire service diving teams at Hatirjheel and Rabindra Sarobar, naval police, and ambulances, are on standby. Armed forces helicopters and the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) are prepped to provide immediate assistance if a critical situation arises.
Citizens are urged to immediately report any suspicious activity to the National Emergency Service 999 or the DMP Control Room.
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