Govt takes security steps for Pahela Baishakh: Minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said stringent security measures have been taken for smooth celebration of Pahela Baishakh across the country, reports UNB.
"The authorities concerned have been asked to refrain from arranging any cultural programme at open places after 5:00 pm while the authorities concerned of Rabindra Sarobar have been asked to end their programme by 7:00 pm," said the Minister while talking to reporters after a meeting on the preparation of Pahela Baishakh, held at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner and high officials concerned of police were present in the meeting.
Several watch towers will be set up while adequate search lights will be arranged in Ramna Batamul area, he said.
Besides, a number of mobile courts will be deployed in Ramna and Dhaka University area to avoid sabotage activities, said Asaduzzaman.
None will be allowed to wear mask at Mangal Shobhajatra which will be cordoned off by police for the sake of security, he said.
The law enforcement agencies will provide special security to rallies to be brought out by the Dhaka South unit Awami League at Bahadur Shah Park and Jagannath University (JnU) premises, he added.
People can have pure drinking water from 20 points of the capital at free of cost, said the Minister.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Javed Patwari ordered the police force to perform their duties professionally so that people can celebrate 'Pahela Baishakh' in a festive manner.
He also asked them to ensure additional security at all the 'Pahela Baiskakh' celebration venues, including Baishakhi Mela, sports and cultural programme, cinema halls as well as other public gatherings ahead of Pahela Baishakh, which will be celebrated across the country, including the capital Dhaka on April 14.
The IGP gave the directives while addressing a meeting on law and order and security on the occasion of the Pahela Baishakh at Police Headquarters on Tuesday.
In his address, the IGP said police have taken a widespread security measures to ensure safe and smooth celebration of the Pahela Baisakh, the Bengali new year.
He said, on the occasion of the Bangla new year, various fairs are held in the cities and villages for a long time.
The flair of such programmes will have to spread among all, especially among the future generation, the IGP said and expressed hope that "We will be able to celebrate Baishakhi festival of Bangalee nation at the joint effort of all."
The meeting decided to review the safety risks based on police and intelligence report of the venues, including Ramna Batamul, Rabindra Sarobar, Hatirjheel and other public gatherings in Dhaka city.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police will take special measures to control vehicular movement and parking. RAB helicopters will be engaged in emergency rescue operation.
Necessary security measures will be taken on the occasion at large shopping centers, markets, shops and business establishments in different parts of the country including the capital.
Special security measures will be taken in the public transports including railway stations, launches and bus terminals.
The meeting also decided to take special measures to prevent any person or group from propagating the law and order situation through Facebook and other social networks. Intelligence surveillance will be extended against banned militant organisations and saboteurs.
Additional IGP (A & M) Mokhlesur Rahman, RAB Director General Benazir Ahmed, DMP Commissioner Md. Aashaduzzaman Mia, and chiefs of different police units as well as intelligence agencies were present in the meeting.