No security threat around Pahela Baishakh: DMP

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced stringent security measures across the capital ahead of Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, with special restrictions imposed in and around Ramna Park.
Acting DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar said that authorities do not see any specific security threat centering the celebrations, but comprehensive measures have been taken to ensure public safety.
"No risk of militant attack has been identified, but we are fully prepared considering all possibilities," he said at a press briefing held at Ramna Park on Sunday afternoon.
As part of the security plan, carrying masks, bags, sharp objects, and flammable materials has been completely banned in Ramna Park and adjacent areas. The use of lanterns, fireworks, and noise-producing whistles has also been prohibited, said the DMP Commissioner. 
Authorities have instructed that all programs must conclude by 6 pm. After 5 pm, gates of Ramna Park will be used only for exit, and no entry will be allowed in the evening, he added.
To manage large crowds expected across the city, DMP has divided Dhaka into nine sectors and 14 sub-sectors. A large number of police personnel, both in uniform and plain clothes, will be deployed in all key locations. Dog squads and bomb disposal teams will conduct security sweeps at important venues, said Md Sarwar. 
He added that barricades will be set up at 14 points in Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, and Dhaka University areas. All entry points will be equipped with archways and handheld metal detectors for screening. Authorities will also maintain constant surveillance through CCTV cameras, video equipment, and drones, alongside observation towers and rooftop deployments.
Special plainclothes teams will work to prevent harassment, snatching, and pickpocketing, while monitoring will also be in place to control unauthorized street vendors. Cyber patrols have been intensified to prevent rumors and misinformation on social media.
Regarding event schedules, the traditional Chhayanaut program at Ramna Batamul will take place from 6:15 am to 8:25 am, with separate entry gates for men, women, and performers.
Meanwhile, the iconic Mangal Shobhajatra, organized by Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts, will begin at 9 am. The procession will start from the Faculty premises and pass through Shahbagh, TSC, and Doel Chattar before returning to its starting point. The entire route will be under strict security coverage.
Traffic diversions will be enforced from 5 am on April 14 in Shahbagh and surrounding areas, with barricades at 14 important points including Banglamotor, Kakrail, High Court, and Nilkhet. Commuters have been advised to use alternative routes.
Designated parking areas will be available, and emergency services including fire service units, ambulances, medical teams, and divers from river police will remain on standby.
Urging public cooperation, the DMP Commissioner requested citizens to assist law enforcement in maintaining security and report any suspicious activity to the national emergency number 999 or the DMP control room.
Following the briefing, DMP's Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit conducted a bomb disposal drill.