It is welcome to see the government and Dhaka Metropolitan Police taking extra advance security precautions ahead of tomorrow’s Pohela Boishakh celebrations.
A pro-active approach to improving security is the best way to ensure celebrations run smoothly and increase assurance for the public.
With Dhaka University as the focal point of national celebrations for the Bangla New Year, it is right that DMP has set up extra watch-towers and increased CCTV monitoring around Ramna, Shahbagh, and Suhrawardy Udyan.
Following the despicable sexual assaults on women in crowds near the TSC area last year, the public needs to see the government taking security concerns more seriously this year.
Vigilance during mass celebrations is essential to help deter and diminish the higher risk of crimes taking place during large public gatherings.
In the light of intelligence reports of militant groups plotting terrorist attacks on Pohela Boishakh, it is welcome that the DMP is deploying its SWAT unit to provide extra security for Mongol Shobhajatra, the traditional rally on the morning of the New Year.
The DMP’s move to encourage indoor celebrations in the evening by banning open air concerts and mass gatherings after 5pm appears to strike an appropriate balance between the need to protect the public without damaging the spirit of this joyous and important national celebration.
Experience from recent successful art and music festivals proves that sensible security measures can help large events run more smoothly and safely, without diminishing enjoyment for large numbers of attendees.
The measures being implemented are the right approach, ensuring a safe, vibrant, and relaxing celebration of Pohela Boishakh. Authorities need to ensure they take a similarly pro-active approach on all such occasions.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
