Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said on Tuesday that a full security plan has been put in place across Dhaka to ensure Holy Ashura is observed peacefully and in order.
While briefing journalists at Hussaini Dalan Imambara around 11am following an inspection of security measures, the DMP chief detailed special preparations involving law and order maintenance, traffic management, and public safety.
He informed the press that a total of 63 Tazia processions will be organised by 28 Imambaras in different areas including Lalbagh, Wari, Ramna, Tejgaon, Motijheel, and Mirpur.
Security arrangements include the deployment of barricades, pickets, lining, and rooftop surveillance at all major assembly points and procession routes. Highly sensitive locations, such as Hossaini Dalan Imambara, are being monitored 24 hours a day via drone and CCTV cameras.
To prevent any untoward incidents or sabotage, specialised units including Special Branch (SB), RAB, and CTTC Dog Squad and Bomb Disposal teams will conduct sweeping operations at every venue.
Entry to Imambaras and assembly sites will be strictly regulated through archway gates and metal detectors for thorough digital and manual checking.
A temporary sub-control room has been set up at Hussaini Dalan, while other key religious sites such as Anjuman Haidari, Boro Katra Imambara, Shia Mosque, Bibika Rowza, and Bihari camps in Mirpur and Mohammadpur remain under special surveillance. Striking forces, including SWAT, K9 units, Crime Scene teams, and Detective Branch (DB), are on standby for any emergency.
The main Tazia procession on 26 June is scheduled to begin around 10am from North Gate of Hussaini Dalan. The designated route will pass through the Hussaini Dalan intersection, Bakshibazar Lane, Alia Madrasa intersection, Bakshibazar (Kolpar) intersection, Umesh Dutta Road, Urdu Road intersection, Harnath Ghosh Road, Lalbagh Chowrasta, Gour-e-Shaheed Mazar, Etimkhana intersection, Azimpur Chowrasta, Eden Mohila College, Nilkhet intersection, Mirpur Road, Dhaka College, Science Laboratory intersection, Dhanmondi Residential Area Road 2, BGB Gate 4, and Sat Masjid Road (Jigatala), finally concluding at Dhanmondi Lake.
Specific traffic diversions will be enforced along these routes, and DMP has urged city residents to use alternative roads to avoid congestion.
To manage the lengthy route and large gatherings, emergency services such as fire tenders and ambulances will be stationed at key points, while expert divers from Fire Service and Civil Defence will be deployed at Dhanmondi Lake.
Organising committees have been requested to provide sufficient volunteers with identification cards or specific uniforms to coordinate with police in maintaining order. The DMP commissioner reiterated a strict ban on Paik processions and mandated that the height of banners or Nishans must not exceed 12 feet.
Participants are prohibited from carrying sharp metal objects, knives, sticks, swords, spears, bags, suitcases, umbrellas, or pressure-cooker-style boxes. High-intensity sound systems, drums, and all forms of fireworks or crackers are also strictly banned.
A specialist team is currently conducting cyber patrolling and social media monitoring to prevent the spread of online rumours.
The commissioner requested the public to remain calm and immediately report any suspicious persons or abandoned objects to the duty police or contact DMP Traffic Control at 01711000990 and 01711000991, Police Control Room at 01320037845 and 01320037846, or the national emergency service at 999.
He expressed confidence that with the cooperation of religious leaders, political figures, and citizens, the programmes would conclude safely.
Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam; Additional Police Commissioner (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam and other senior officials attended the event.
