Staff Reporter :Amid tight security, the nation will celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year on Thursday in a befitting manner. Different socio-cultural and political organisations as well as educational institutions have chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate the biggest carnival of the Bangalees.Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed restrictions on open-air concerts and other form of cultural events after 5:00pm in the city on the day. However, there would be no restriction on holding of indoor cultural functions at ‘safe places’ after 5:00pm, it added.DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia made the disclosure while briefing reporters about the foolproof security measures taken on Pahela Baishakh at the DMP media centre in the city on Monday.Tight security measures will be taken to hold ‘Mongol Sobhajatra’ (the traditional colourful procession) safely, said the DMP Chief. Members of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams will be deployed during the rally to be brought out from the Institute of Fine Arts in Dhaka University. Besides, there will be nine watch towers and three control rooms to supervise the overall security at Dhaka University premises. In addition, there will also be three CCTV monitoring cells in Shahbagh, Ramna and Suhrawardy Udyan areas.Masks and vuvuzelas will remain banned for the Pahela Baishakh this year as sexual harassment of women took place last year on the Dhaka University campus, the DMP Commissioner said. The DMP boss also said “There will be no scope for chaos” during this year’s festivity.Indeed, Pahela Baishakh is a momentous occasion in the life of each and every Bangalee. To every Bangalee, young and old, rich and poor, wise and ignorant, it is time of gaiety to be celebrated with great merry-making and to be enjoyed in every possible manner.
