Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken comprehensive security measures to ensure the peaceful and orderly observance of Holy Ashura.
DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin announced the measures while briefing reporters after inspecting security arrangements at the Hussaini Dalan Imambara in Old Dhaka on Tuesday.=
He said a total of 63 Tazia processions will be brought out in different parts of the city from 1 to 10 Muharram organised by 28 Imambaras under Lalbagh, Wari, Ramna, Tejgaon, Motijheel and Mirpur divisions, he said.
To ensure security, DMP has put up barricades, pickets, lining and rooftop surveillance at all processions and major congregation points. Sensitive locations, including Hussaini Dalan Imambara are being monitored round the clock through CCTV and drone cameras.
He said banners used in processions must not exceed 12 feet in height, while carrying sharp metallic objects, flammable materials, knives, sticks, swords, spears, bags, bundles or suitcases will be prohibited.
The use of fireworks, crackers, high-volume sound systems and drums will also remain banned.
The commissioner said specialised units of DMP, Special Branch (SB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit will conduct security sweeps with bomb disposal teams and dog squads at venues and procession routes.
Archway gates, metal detectors and manual checks will be used at Imambaras and congregation sites.
A temporary sub-control room has been set up at Hussaini Dalan Imambara while key religious sites including Anjuman-e-Haideri, Bara Katra Imambara, Shia Mosque, Bibika Rauza and the Bihari camps in Mirpur and Mohammadpur have been brought under special surveillance, he added.
He said SWAT, Bomb Disposal Unit, Dog Squad (K9), Crime Scene Team, Detective Branch (DB) and other specialised units will remain on standby as striking forces will respond to any emergency.
Regarding traffic management, Mosleh Uddin said the main Tazia procession scheduled for June 26 will start from Hussaini Dalan Imambara at 10am and proceed through Bakshibazar, Azimpur, Nilkhet, Science Laboratory intersection, Dhanmondi and Satmasjid Road before concluding on the banks of Dhanmondi Lake.
Traffic diversions will remain in effect along the designated route from 10am on June 26 until the procession ends.
City residents and motorists have been advised to use alternative routes to avoid congestion and facilitate smooth movement of participants.
Considering the long procession route and large gatherings, fire fighting units and ambulances will be kept ready for emergencies.
A team of skilled divers from the Fire Service and Civil Defence will also be deployed near Dhanmondi Lake to ensure water safety.
The DMP Commissioner urged organisers to deploy adequate volunteers with identity cards or designated uniforms to assist police in maintaining order.
Mosleh Uddin said cyber patrolling and social media monitoring are underway to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation online.
He requested citizens to immediately inform police or call the DMP Traffic Control Room, Police Control Room or the national emergency service 999 if they notice any suspicious person, object or abandoned bag along procession routes or at Imambaras.
The DMP Commissioner expressed hope that with the cooperation of religious leaders, political figures, representatives of different organisations and city residents, all Ashura programmes would be completed peacefully and in an orderly manner.