DMP rolls out multi-tier security for Pohela Boishakh

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has put in place extensive, multi-tier security arrangements to ensure that people from all walks of life can celebrate Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, peacefully across Dhaka.

Addressing a press briefing at the Ramna Park area today, DMP acting commissioner Md Sarwar said there is no specific intelligence indicating any militant threat centring the celebrations, though law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to tackle any situation.

“To ensure that people of all religions and communities can celebrate the national festival smoothly, Dhaka Metropolitan Police has taken extensive security measures,” he said.

Sarwar said large gatherings are expected at key venues, including Ramna Park, Shishu Park, Dhaka University, Bahadur Shah Park, Shakyamuni Bouddha Bihar in Mirpur, Rabindra Sarobar and Hatirjheel. To manage the crowds, the entire Dhaka Metropolitan area has been divided into nine sectors and 14 sub-sectors.

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A large contingent of police personnel, both in uniform and plainclothes, will be deployed across the city. Specialised units including SWAT, Mounted Police, K-9 units, Bomb Disposal Unit, DB, and CTTC will remain on duty at key locations, while dog squads and bomb disposal teams will sweep important venues.

Security will be reinforced through multi-layer surveillance, including CCTV cameras, still and video cameras, and drones. Observation towers have been installed at key points, and additional forces will be stationed on rooftops for enhanced monitoring.

Visitors entering Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan and the Dhaka University area will have to pass through 14 security checkpoints, with screening conducted via archways and handheld metal detectors.

Sarwar urged city dwellers to cooperate with security checks, noting that masks, bags, sharp objects and flammable materials will not be allowed inside. Sky lanterns, fireworks, and vuvuzelas will also be prohibited.

Plainclothes police teams will work to prevent crimes such as eve-teasing, mugging and pickpocketing, while special teams will monitor unauthorised entry of hawkers into event venues.

On the digital front, the acting commissioner said intelligence surveillance has been strengthened and cyber patrolling intensified to prevent the spread of rumours or misinformation on social media.

The traditional Chhayanaut programme at Ramna Batamul will be held from 6:15am to 8:25am.

For venue access, Arunoday Gate, Ramna Restaurant Gate and Astoachal Gate will serve as entry points. Uttarayan Gate and Baishakhi Gate will be used for exit only, while Shyamolima, Star and a newly opened gate will be used for both entry and exit.

The Boishakhi Shobhajatra, organised by DU's Faculty of Fine Arts, will begin at 9:00am on April 14. The procession will pass through Shahbagh police station intersection, TSC, Dhaka University metro station, Three Leaders’ Mausoleum, and Doel Chattar before returning to the Faculty of Fine Arts via Bangla Academy.

The DMP said the entire route will remain under strict security, and participants will not be allowed to join from alternative routes.

Entry into Ramna Park will close at 5:00pm, after which gates will be used only for exit. All programmes must conclude by 6:00pm.

Vehicular movement in Shahbagh and adjoining areas will be diverted from 5:00am. Barricades will be placed at 14 points, including Banglamotor, Hotel InterContinental, Kakrail Church and the High Court area.

Vehicles from Mirpur and Farmgate heading towards Shahbagh will be diverted via Banglamotor or Minto Road, while those coming from Science Lab will be redirected through Azimpur or Bata signal towards Hatirpool, according to the DMP.

Designated parking will be available near Holy Family Hospital, Matsya Bhaban, and along the stretch from Katabon to Palashi.

Fire Service teams, ambulances and a river police diving team will remain on standby.