No political or social gathering for 10 days

Dhaka Metropolitan Police yesterday urged city dwellers not to hold any political and social programme in the capital during the 10-day state celebrations, starting on March 17, marking the country's golden jubilee of independence and Mujib Borsho.

The DMP also warned of congestion on roads due to state events.

"We are discouraging political and social organisations from holding any programme during this period," acting commissioner Monirul Islam told reporters at the DMP headquarters yesterday.

"If a programme is scheduled during the period [March 17-26], please postpone it," he added.

No one should hold what he said are "anti-national" programmes.

The independence golden jubilee and Mujib Borsho celebrations are linked to the country's reputation, he said.

Monirul added that state guests would participate in various programmes during the celebrations and suggested that people keep congestion in mind when they leave home during the 10-day period.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan President Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering will be visiting Dhaka.

"Security will be provided in accordance with the VVIP security protocol at all the events [and venues] where guests will be attending and staying."

According to Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) officials, all flight operations will remain suspended for a short period when the state guests enter the air space of Bangladesh.

About those who are opposing the visit of Modi, Monirul said, "We are hopeful that their good sense will emerge."

SHOPS TO REMAIN CLOSED

All shops and shopping malls across the country will remain closed on March 17 on the occasion of Bangababandhu's birth centenary.

Drug, grocery, and other daily essentials stores will remain out of the purview of this decision.

Bangladesh Shop Owners' Association took the decision in a meeting yesterday to show respect to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, according to Helal Uddin, president of the association.