Wearing masks during the Mangal Shobhajatra, will not be allowed, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
The Mangal Shobhajatra is a mass procession organized by Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Institute that takes place at dawn on the first day of the Bengali New Year, Pahela Baishakh in Bangladesh.
The university students make brightly-coloured, hand-held masks besides other artifacts for their parade which is central to the celebrations.
“If anyone wants they can keep the masks in their hands,” he told the media on Wednesday (Apr 3) after an emergency meeting regarding safety measured during the Bengali New Year on Apr 14.
He said that stern security measures will be in place especially at popular spots such as Charukala, Ramna, Dhaka University (DU) and Rabindra Sarabar so that everyone can enjoy the day safely.
“The DMP [Dhaka Metropolitan Police] will have a plan for the entire city to regulate traffic,” he said and added that not only are wearing masks not allowed, no one will be allowed to enter the rally mid way.
He said that loud whistles will be banned no one will be allowed to enter the Bengali New Year programs after 5 pm and everyone must leave the programs by 6 pm.
The minister added that only cars with special stickers will be allowed to enter the DU campus on Apr 13.
“The diplomatic zones will be especially monitored,” Kamal said and added that Fire Service diving teams will be deployed at Hatirjheel, Ramna Park, Gulshan Lake and Dhanmondi Lake.
“Plainclothes policemen will be there to ensure that eve-teasing doesn’t happen and steps will be taken to control use of narcotics.”
Responding to queries on whether there was any chance on violence during the programs, he said, “We received no such news.”
He added that the law enforcing agencies were on the alert and ready to tackle any situation and it will be ensured that no one can misuse the social media platforms.