United News of Bangladesh

No one will be permitted to join the ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ midway once the procession starts during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali said on Sunday. The DMP Commissioner made the remarks while talking to reporters following an inspection of the security arrangements at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka. DB chief Rezaul Karim removed, transferred to DMP HQ The traditional ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ procession, held to mark Pahela Baishakh, will start from the Faculty of Fine Arts, moving through Shahbagh, TSC, Shaheed Minar, Doel Chattar, Bangla Academy and will return to the Faculty of Fine Arts, he informed. “The entire procession route will be under stringent security surveillance. Entry via alternative or side routes will not be permitted,” he added. Assuring that there is no lack of security measures, the DMP chief said 18,000 police personnel will be deployed during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations, with members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), Bangladesh Army, and Anti-Terrorism Unit also on duty alongside the police. Intelligence agencies will be operating in coordination as well, he added. DMP identifies DU arsonist, arrest expected before Pahela Baishakh procession “So far, there is no specific threat. It is expected that police will assist Dhaka University in ensuring a peaceful and successful celebration,” Sazzat Ali said. To facilitate smooth celebrations, the city has been divided into 21 sectors. A sufficient number of both uniformed and plainclothes police will be deployed across the capital, while key installations will be searched by dog squads. Besides, barricades will be set up at 21 key points, including Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan. All event venues will be equipped with archways and handheld metal detectors for security screening. Law enforcement agencies will monitor the main procession and its surrounding areas via CCTV, video cameras and drones along the entire route. There will be ample foot patrols and specialised units including the CTTC, SWAT teams and others will be deployed as well. To prevent incidents such as eve-teasing and snatching, plainclothes detective teams will be on duty, Sazzat Ali said. The Commissioner also mentioned that cyber monitoring is being strengthened to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation on social media ahead of the celebrations. He urged participants not to carry bags, sharp objects, or flammable items during the festivities. All events must conclude on time, and venues must be vacated as per the stipulated schedule. He further warned that fireworks, sky lanterns and noise-polluting items such as whistles will not be allowed. “No commercial products may be promoted or marketed as part of the celebrations, particularly during the procession or at event venues.” The Commissioner also urged caution for those planning to attend the Chhayanaut event. “Women and children should avoid large crowds and use only the designated entry and exit points.” Entry to Suhrawardy Udyan will be permitted through three gates until 5pm, after which all gates will serve as exits. The gate on the western side of Suhrawardy Udyan, opposite the Faculty of Fine Arts, will remain closed during the procession, with movement through that gate restricted. Participants must enter via the Shahbagh intersection. Those joining after the Chhayanaut event must proceed via Shahbagh, Katabon and Nilkhet, and join the procession in front of the Dhaka University Vice Chancellor’s residence.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has identified the miscreant responsible for setting fire to a motif at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University ahead of the Pahela Baishakh celebrations and the suspect is expected to be arrested by Monday morning, before the Ananda Shobhajatra begins, said DMP Commissioner Sazzat Ali. “The miscreant involved in setting fire to the motif — a symbolic face representing autocracy — has already been identified. We hope to arrest the individual before the Shobhajatra begins tomorrow (Monday),” he told journalists while inspecting the security arrangements for the Pahela Baishakh celebrations at Ramna Park in the capital on Sunday morning. “A case has been filed over the incident under the Shahbagh Police Station. We are very close to solving the case,” he added. 'Fascist’s Effigy' burned at DU: Farooki blames Hasina’s ‘allies’, vows stronger resistance Earlier on Saturday, a fire destroyed several symbolic motifs, including the ‘monstrous face of fascism’ and the ‘dove of peace’, created for the Bengali New Year celebrations organised by the Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. "The fire is believed to have started between 4:45am and 5:00am. It may have occurred while mobile team members on duty had gone to offer Fajr prayers," said DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed. Crafted from bamboo and cane, the depiction portrayed a woman with a toothy grin, four horns on her head, a large nose, and two fearful eyes. The striking image led many to believe it resembled ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In a Facebook post made Saturday morning, Farooki condemned the incident and warned that those involved - regardless of political label - must face legal consequences.

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Brussels has virtually celebrated the Bangla New Year 1428 in advance with the participation of more than eight thousand Bengali and foreign guests from Europe and different corners of the world. Singer Nobonita Chowdhury performed songs from different regions and genres of the country in the event held on Monday, said the Embassy of Bangladesh in Brussels on Tuesday. She rendered songs including Rabindra, Nazrul and Lalon Sangeet, songs of Hasan Raja, Vijay Sarkar, and Bhawaiya, which showcased the richness of Bengali songs to the world. There was a narration in English by the singer on the theme and background of each song for foreign guests.

Considering the upsurge in the country's Covid-19 situation, Dhaka University has formally called off the Mangal Shobhajatra, or March of Good Tidings, a colourful procession at dawn to usher in the Bengali New Year on the University campus. Also read: Pahela Baishakh celebrated without outdoor programmes The university authorities circulated the decision in a press release issued by its public relations office. Students of DU Fine Arts have been organising Mangal Shobhajatra since 1989. The colourful procession, which even made into UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, has become a signature event of Pahela Baishakh celebration in Bangladesh. Also read: Next Pahela Baishakh celebration in COVID-19 free Bangladesh: Minister Every year, the procession centres on a theme relevant to the country's sociocultural milieu. It usually features various animal-shaped carnival floats, large colourful masks, replicas of birds, butterflies, traditional dolls and other motifs of Bangladeshi culture that highlight the traditional folklore of Bangladesh. Also read: A colourless Pahela Baishakh

Online marketplace Daraz has begun its "Baishakhi Mela" campaign for the fifth time in a row. With the slogan "Jaago Bangali Borshoboroner Anonde," the campaign will continue until April 14, Daraz said Wednesday. Various deals have been offered in multiple categories ranging from fashion and beauty and health to groceries, television and smartphones. Also read: Daraz organises roadshow to celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh's Independence Also, there will be special discounts on the Baisakhi collection like saree, punjabi, and other traditional products.  The campaign offers several attractive deals, including double taka voucher, mega deals, guess and get it free, Tk1428 deals, free shipping, and mega voucher. Also read: Daraz brings Hero Bangladesh on board Also, new customers of Daraz will enjoy exclusive discounts on their orders.  Daraz Bangladesh Managing Director Syed Mostahidal Hoq said, "The Bengali New Year is a significant day for the people of Bangladesh and also all Bengalis living across the globe." Also read: Daraz acquires food delivery Start-up HungryNaki "To enhance the excitement of this day, we are thrilled to bring our new campaign – Boishakhi Mela. It will create an opportunity for customers to heighten their shopping experience by grabbing exceptional deals across a vast range of products." The campaign has been co-sponsored by Bata, Dettol, Lizol, Studiox, Sunsilk, and Xiaomi, read a press release.