Police ban sharp weapons during Ashura processions

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has adopted extensive security and traffic management measures ahead of the holy Ashura observance and Tazia (mourning) processions scheduled for June 26, aiming to ensure public safety and maintain law and order across the capital.

The preparations were reviewed at a coordination meeting on security, law and order, and traffic management held at DMP Headquarters. The meeting was chaired by DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, according to an official release issued on Tuesday.

Addressing the meeting, the DMP Commissioner stressed the importance of coordinated efforts by all concerned parties to ensure the smooth execution of programmes marking the holy Ashura.

“Vigilant monitoring must be maintained to prevent anyone from creating disorder or deteriorating the law and order situation.

Carrying sharp weapons, including machetes, knives, sickles, spears, swords and sticks, during the procession will be prohibited, while the use of fireworks and firecrackers will also not be allowed,” he said.

To strengthen security around key venues, Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said the entire Imambara area at Hussaini Dalan will remain under CCTV surveillance throughout the programmes.

He added that, as part of preventive security measures, the area will be thoroughly checked by the dog squad and through manual inspections to avert any untoward incidents. Visitors entering the venue will be screened through archways and metal detectors at designated entry points.

The DMP Commissioner further said that alongside uniformed personnel, plainclothes police officers will be deployed at strategic locations. He assured participants that Dhaka Metropolitan Police would remain fully prepared to ensure overall security during the observance.

At the outset of the meeting, DMP Joint Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah presented the overall security plan through a PowerPoint presentation.

Representatives of the organisers, various intelligence agencies, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Dhaka North and South City Corporations, Dhaka WASA, Fire Service and other government service-providing agencies participated in the discussion and shared their views regarding security arrangements for the Ashura programmes.

Senior officials of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police were also present at the coordination meeting.