Boishakhi events to end by 6pm amid tight security
Dog squads, CCTV and watch towers to monitor key celebration points
ATT Correspondent 
The government has ordered that all Pohela Boishakh celebrations across Bangladesh must conclude by 6:00pm, as part of comprehensive security measures aimed at ensuring a safe and orderly observance of the Bengali New Year.
The directive was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs following a high-level law and order meeting held at the Secretariat, according to an official press release on Thursday.
Under the new guidelines, public entry to major celebration venues-including Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, the Dhaka University area, Hatirjheel and Rabindra Sarobar-will be closed by 5:00pm. All events must be wrapped up within an hour thereafter.
The meeting was chaired by Senior Secretary Monzur Morshed Chowdhury and attended by senior officials from law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Authorities said stringent security arrangements have been put in place nationwide to ensure peaceful celebrations, including for ethnic communities such as the Chakma, Marma and Tripura.
Special security protocols will be enforced for the traditional “Boishakhi Shobhajatra,” organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. Participants will not be allowed to wear masks during the procession, although they may carry them. Masks intended for display must not be used to conceal faces. In addition, participants must join the procession at the beginning, and no one will be allowed to enter once it is underway.
As part of the restrictions, sky lanterns, fireworks, gas balloons and vuvuzelas have been completely banned across the country. Authorities will also take strict action to prevent motorcycle and car racing within a 300-foot radius of event areas.
Security measures include deployment of dog squads at key locations such as Ramna Batamul and Dhaka University, installation of watch towers, CCTV cameras and archways at strategic points, and enhanced surveillance by plainclothes intelligence personnel. Mobile courts led by executive magistrates will operate to curb harassment, theft and other petty crimes.
Fire service units, ambulances and medical teams will be stationed at all major venues, while divers will be deployed at Ramna Lake to prevent accidents.
Authorities have also requested the closure of the Dhaka University metro rail station (TSC) on the day of the festival for security reasons. From 7:00pm on April 13, vehicles without university identification stickers will not be permitted to enter the Dhaka University area.
Members of the public have been advised not to carry bags, backpacks, matches or lighters, and parents are encouraged to ensure children carry identification details.
A “lost and found” centre will be set up at Ramna Park to assist in locating missing persons, particularly children.
Officials said law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to ensure that one of the country’s largest cultural festivals is celebrated in a secure and disciplined manner.
