Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed has said that carrying machetes, knives, sickles, spears, lances, swords, sticks and similar items, as well as setting off fireworks and firecrackers, will not be allowed during the observance of Holy Ashura and Tazia processions.
He made the remarks on Tuesday at a coordination meeting on security, law and order, and traffic management for the Dhaka metropolitan area, held at the DMP headquarters conference room. The meeting was organized to ensure the smooth implementation of programs marking Holy Ashura and Tazia processions.
At the meeting, the DMP commissioner said all concerned parties must work in coordination to ensure the successful implementation of Ashura-related events. He stressed the need to remain vigilant so that no one can create disorder or disrupt law and order.
He reiterated that carrying machetes, knives, sickles, spears, lances, swords, sticks and similar items in processions, as well as using fireworks and firecrackers, would be prohibited.
He further said that the entire Hussaini Dalan Imambara area would be brought under CCTV surveillance. To prevent any untoward incidents, the area will be swept manually and monitored by dog squads. Security checks will be conducted at entry points using archways and metal detectors. Alongside uniformed police personnel, plainclothes officers will also be deployed. He added that the Dhaka Metropolitan Police would remain fully committed to ensuring overall security during the events.
At the beginning of the coordination meeting, DMP Joint Commissioner (Ops) Mohammad Shahidullah presented the overall security plan through a PowerPoint presentation.
Representatives of event organizers, intelligence agencies, the Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka North and South City Corporations, Dhaka WASA, Fire Service, various government service agencies, and senior DMP officials shared their views at the meeting to ensure security during Ashura programs. Senior police officials were also present.
