No security threat

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal yesterday said there is no specific security threat centring this year's Pahela Baishakh celebration.

“Besides, detectives' surveillance is on. No one will be able to create any obstruction to the celebration programmes,” he said while talking to reporters after visiting DMP's security measures at Ramna Park.

He said Pahela Baishakh is a national event and law enforcers have been kept ready across the country to ensure smooth celebration of the first day of Bangla new year today.

Cyber security team is also monitoring social media sites so that no one can spread provocative messages, said the minister.

Earlier on Thursday, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman Mia said major places of gatherings will be under security blanket.

The DMP chief said no one will be allowed to wear mask or use vuvuzela, to avert any unpleasant incident. “Law enforcers will escort the Mangal Shobhajatra. Police will keep surveillance from building rooftops,” he said.

Law enforcers will put barricades in Nilkhet, Palashi, Shahbagh, Kakrail and Matsya Bhaban areas and vehicles will not be allowed to enter, he added. Events have to end by 6pm while entry to Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan will be closed after 5pm.