DU metro station to remain close on Pahela Baishakh

The Dhaka Metro Rail authority has announced that the Dhaka University Metro Station will remain closed on Pahela Baishakh, while Shahbagh Metro Station will be shut until 12:00pm.

In a notice issued on Sunday, the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited apologised for the temporary inconvenience to passengers.
Authorities have rolled out extensive security measures across the capital to ensure a safe celebration of the Bangla New Year. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police said the city has been divided into nine sectors and 14 sub-sectors for coordinated security management.

Many law enforcement personnel, both in uniform and plainclothes, will be deployed. Specialised units, including dog squads and bomb disposal teams, will carry out sweeping operations at key venues.

Security checkpoints will be set up in major areas such as Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan and the University of Dhaka campus. Visitors will be screened using archways and handheld metal detectors at entry points.

Surveillance will be strengthened with CCTV cameras, drones and observation towers, while rooftops will also be monitored. Plainclothes teams will remain active to prevent harassment, mugging and pickpocketing, alongside efforts to control unauthorised hawkers.

The iconic Mangal Shobhajatra, organised by the Faculty of Fine Art at Dhaka University, will begin at 9:00am. The procession will move through Shahbagh, TSC and Doel Chattar before returning to its starting point.

Police said the entire route will remain under strict security, and all Pahela Baishakh programmes must conclude by 6:00pm.