DMP issues traffic, security guidelines for Janmashtami procession

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued traffic and security guidelines ahead of a grand procession in the capital on Friday to mark Janmashtami, urging residents to use alternative routes during the event.

DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Akhtar Hossain announced the guidelines on Thursday (September 3).

The procession will begin at 3pm from Dhakeshwari National Temple and pass through several key roads before ending at Bahadur Shah Park. It is scheduled to continue until 7pm.

The designated route is Dhakeshwari National Temple, Palashi Bazar, Jagannath Hall, Central Shaheed Minar, Doel Chattar, High Court, Bangabazar, Dhaka South City Corporation building, Golap Shah Mazar, Gulistan intersection, Nawabpur Road and Ray Saheb Bazar intersection, before reaching Bahadur Shah Park.

No vehicles will be allowed to park along the procession route during the event. DMP has also asked organisers and participants to avoid using loud public-address systems or sound equipment.

Participants must join the procession from designated starting points and will not be allowed to join midway along the route.

For security reasons, participants have been asked not to carry handbags, trolleys, large vanity bags, bundles, flammable materials, knives, weapons, scissors, corrosive liquids, lighters or matchboxes.

DMP has also prohibited throwing fruits or other objects along the route, standing unnecessarily on roads and obstructing traffic, or engaging in disorderly conduct. Participants have been urged to immediately inform police if they notice any suspicious person or object.

The police have asked participants to follow instructions from volunteers and law enforcement personnel and cooperate with officers managing barricades, checkpoints and archways.

DMP has also requested commuters to avoid the procession route during the scheduled hours and use alternative roads as directed by police.

The police urged everyone to cooperate in maintaining a peaceful and orderly environment during the Janmashtami celebrations.