Police, intelligence, and service agencies join forces to coordinate peaceful religious observances; community urged to maintain harmony.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has assured that the highest level of security will be enforced during the upcoming Hindu festival of Rath Yatra and the Muslim observance of Ashura. Emphasizing religious harmony and mutual respect, he called for coordinated efforts to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of both events.

He made the statement while presiding over a coordination meeting held on Wednesday at the DMP Headquarters in the capital. The meeting was attended by senior police officials, representatives from various intelligence and service agencies, and leaders from religious and community organizations.

During the meeting, Joint Police Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining a comprehensive security plan. An open discussion followed, during which representatives of Tazia and mourning procession committees, as well as other agencies, provided feedback and suggestions.

Addressing the organizers of the Tazia processions, the DMP Commissioner stressed the importance of maintaining discipline throughout the events. He instructed organizers to ensure an adequate number of volunteers are deployed to help with crowd control. The police, in turn, will be responsible for maintaining law and order and managing traffic flow in the city during the processions.

Additional Police Commissioner S. N. Md. Nazrul Islam informed attendees that the "Ulto Rath Yatra," a significant Hindu religious procession, will take place on July 5. He urged all stakeholders to work diligently to avoid any untoward incidents.

In addition, he emphasized the importance of installing video surveillance from the beginning of the Tazia processions to monitor the situation closely and prevent any unexpected disruptions. “Constant monitoring is essential to ensure that the processions are carried out in a safe and respectful manner,” he said.

The meeting also included participation from Additional Police Commissioners Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali and Md. Masud Karim, as well as joint and deputy police commissioners, representatives of various intelligence agencies, and officials from Dhaka North and South City Corporations, DPDC, DESCO, the Directorate General of Health Services, and the Fire Service and Civil Defence.

All stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a secure, peaceful, and respectful environment during these important religious observances, with special emphasis on maintaining interfaith harmony and public safety.