Preparations Underway At Ramna Batamul For Pohela Boishakh Celebrations

Preparations are underway at Dhaka’s Ramna Batamul to ring in the Bangla New Year of 1431.

On ahead of the festival artists and artisans of cultural institution Chhayanaut are spending a busy final day preparing for the big event as singers rehearse and musicians test their instruments.

Laisa Ahmed Lisa, general secretary of Chhayanaut, said, “We are working on the final preparations. Our artists and artisans are finishing up the final work for the New Year celebrations.”

Joyanta Roy, joint secretary of Chhayanaut, told the media, “This year’s programme will feature 11 group songs and 15 solo performances, as well as readings and recitations.”

Meanwhile the various security measures put in place by the different units of Dhaka Metropolitan Police are being regularly reviewed by senior police officers. 

DMP Commissioner Md Habibur Rahman went to the Ramna Batamul area at 10:30am, followed by Khorshed Alam, director general of the Rapid Action Battalion at noon.

“The New Year’s event is the embodiment of the non-sectarian spirit of the Bengali nation,” Rahman said.

“That is why it has been targeted repeatedly by violent attacks and terrorism. Keeping those aspects in mind, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police have adopted a security plan. There are no specific threats at this time.

Regarding security, the commissioner said, “Different organisations will arrange programmes all over Dhaka, including the Ramna Batamul, Dhaka University, the Shaheed Minar, Rabindra Sarani, the International Conference Centre, and Hatirjheel. CCTV cameras have been set up at all venues where events will take place to ensure security.”

Also the venue will be swept before the start of the event with SB equipment and the DMP’s dog squad.

DMP commissioner said to wrapped up the events by 5pm on Sunday.

Units of the SWAT and Detective Branch are also engaged in securing the Ramna Batamul area.