Tight security measures have been taken to ensure a smooth celebration of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of a Bengali new year, Dhaka city police say.
"Major celebration places will be brought under a security blanket," said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman Mia at a media briefing on Thursday ahead of the celebration to be held on Sunday.
Asaduzzaman said no one will be allowed to wear masks or play blowing horns like vuvuzela on the day to avert any unpleasant incident.
"The law enforcers will escort the Mongol Shobhajatra [a mass procession that occurs at dawn on the first day of a Bengali New Year] to be brought out by the students of Fine Arts Institute of Dhaka University," he said, adding: "Police will keep surveillance from the roofs of buildings."
Besides, law enforcers will put up barricades at Nilkhet, Palashi, Shahbagh, Kakrail, and Matsya Bhaban and no vehicles will be allowed to enter the areas, the DMP police chief said.
Close-circuit cameras will be installed at several places, including Ramna Park and Rabindra Sarobar, said Asaduzzaman.
While entering the celebration venues, people have to pass through archways and undergo security checks both manually and electronically.
The DMP also banned carrying of any explosive substances, sharp weapons, bags, and metal equipment at the venues.
No open air programme will be allowed after 6:00 pm while the entry at Ramna and Suhrawardi Udyan will be closed after 5:00 pm, said the DMP Commissioner.
Replying to a question of any suspicions of security threat, he said, "There is no threat of any attack in the city and the law enforcers have taken necessary measures to take action instantly."
Plainclothes police, detectives, intelligence teams, SWAT, and bomb disposal units will remain stand-by alongside regular uniformed police.
