Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Monday said special security measures have been taken across the country for the smooth celebrations of Pahela Baishakh.

The authorities concerned were asked to refrain from arranging any cultural programme at open places after 5:00pm on the day of Pahela Baishakh for security concern, he told reporters after attending a meeting on law and order situation ahead of the Bengali New Year’s day, reports UNB.

The law enforcement agencies will remain vigilant so that no one could continue any programme at open places after 5:00pm.

The meeting also decided not to allow more than one person on a motorcycle on the day, and urged all to refrain from carrying any bag, said the minister adding that it was also decided to ban the use of any instrument that can create loud sound during ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’.

Security will also be beefed up in Ramna Park area and Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University area on that day. CCTV cameras and watch towers will be installed at important points of the city while plainclothes police will be deployed to stop eve-teasing in the capital, Asaduzzaman said.

In response to a query about any possible militant attack, the Home Minister said, ‘Though there’s no threat of any militant attack, strict security measures have been taken across the country.’

The Home Secretary and high officials concerned of police attended the meeting.