DHAKA, April 9 (BSS) – The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed that all Pahela Baishakh celebrations across Bangladesh must conclude by 6:00 pm on April 14, with entry restricted after 5:00 pm. The decision was taken at a law and order meeting chaired by Senior Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury at the Bangladesh Secretariat on April 8.  

Key venues including Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka University, Hatirjheel, and Rabindra Sarobar will follow the directive. Comprehensive security measures have been announced to ensure peaceful celebrations of Bengali New Year 1433, as well as traditional festivals of indigenous communities such as the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and Garo.  

Strict rules will apply to the “Baishakh Shobhajatra” organized by Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. Participants may carry masks but cannot wear them, and joining midway will be prohibited. Nationwide bans have been imposed on sky lanterns, fireworks, gas balloons, vuvuzelas, and vehicle racing.  

Security forces will deploy dog squads, watch towers, CCTV cameras, and archways at major points, while intelligence surveillance and mobile courts will operate to curb harassment, snatching, and pickpocketing. Fire service units, ambulances, medical teams, and a diving team at Ramna Lake will be on standby.  

On April 14, the Dhaka University (TSC) metro rail station will remain closed for security reasons. From 7:00 pm on April 13, vehicles without university stickers will be barred from entering the campus. Citizens have been advised not to carry bags, matches, or lighters, while parents are encouraged to provide children with identification notes. Senior Secretary Chowdhury said all necessary measures have been taken to ensure a safe and festive celebration.  

END/AJ/RH