Stringent security measures have been planned in the capital and elsewhere of the country for smooth celebration of the Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year.

A security blanket will be thrown over the Ramna Batamul, the main venue of Pahela Baishakh celebration, and its adjoining areas Suhrawardi Udyan and Dhaka University areas to make the security foolproof.

Check posts will be set up at the strategic points including every entry and exit points of the capital city to avert any untoward incident. Several closed circuit camera televisions (CCTVs) and observation towers will be installed over the Ramna Batamul area. Bombs disposal units and dog squads will be also be deployed.

Additional forces of police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and plainclothes from intelligence agencies will be deployed in the capital city particularly Ramna Batamul, Dhaka University, Suhrawardi Udyan and Rabindra Sarobar areas and elsewhere of the country for peaceful celebration of the Pahela Baishakh. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia on Sunday assured of foolproof security in the capital city ahead of the Pahela Baishakh.

"Stringent security measures will be put in place at Ramna Batamul and Suhrawardi Udyan areas with deployment of the adequate numbers of law enforcers," the DMP chief said at a press briefing held at DMP media centre.

CCTVs will constantly monitor different areas to ensure foolproof security to the city dwellers, he also said.

Replying to a question, he said that they have no specific threat from any quarters at the moment.

Bangali people are almost prepared to celebrate April 14, as the first day of the Bangla New Year through chalking out different types of cultural events.

Organizers have been asked to finish their cultural or other kinds of events by 5:30pm on the Pahela Baishakh for the sake of security.

City dwellers were also requested not to carry any kinds of arms, explosives, handbags at Ramna Batamul, TSC and its adjoining areas and to put addresses in the pockets of their children.

UNB/RI