The Ministry of Home Affairs has imposed tight security measures across the country to ensure safe and smooth celebrations of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year 1433.
Security arrangements have also been put in place for the New Year festivities of ethnic communities, including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and Garo.
Authorities aim to make the celebrations peaceful, enjoyable, and incident-free.
The decision was taken at a law-and-order meeting held on Wednesday at the Bangladesh Secretariat, chaired by Senior Secretary Monzur Morshed Chowdhury. During the meeting, officials directed that all events at major venues such as Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka University, Hatirjheel, and Rabindra Sarobar must conclude by 6pm, with no entry allowed after 5pm.
Strict security will be maintained for Bangla New Year procession “Baishakhi Shobhajatra” organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University.
Participants will not be allowed to wear masks that cover the face during the procession, although masks can be carried for display. All participants must join at the start of the procession, as entry will not be permitted once the march has begun.
Authorities have also prohibited flying lanterns, fireworks, gas balloons, and vuvuzelas nationwide, while motorbike and car racing will be banned within a 300-foot radius of event sites.
Ramna Batamul, Dhaka University, and other key areas will be thoroughly inspected by dog squads, with watchtowers, CCTV cameras, and archways set up at important points.
Plainclothes personnel and mobile courts under executive magistrates will remain on alert to prevent incidents such as eve-teasing, snatching, and pickpocketing.
Firefighting vehicles, ambulances, and medical teams will be deployed at major event locations, and diver teams will be stationed at Ramna Lake to prevent accidents.
For security reasons, the Dhaka University (TSC) Metro Rail Station will remain closed on Pahela Baishakh, 14 April, and no vehicles without university stickers will be allowed to enter the area after 7pm on 13 April.
Citizens have been advised not to carry bags, backpacks, lighters, or oil lamps, and children are encouraged to carry identification notes for safety.
Senior Secretary Monzur Morshed Chowdhury emphasised that all administrative and law enforcement agencies will play an active role to ensure the celebrations of Bengali culture and heritage are conducted safely.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with representatives from police, RAB, BGB, and intelligence agencies, attended the meeting to coordinate the nationwide security plan.
