The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced comprehensive security arrangements for the Ratha Yatra of the Hindu community, which will be held tomorrow, with thousands of devotees expected to participate in processions across the capital.
Heightened Security Measures
DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed stated that extensive security measures will be in place for both the Ratha Yatra and the return procession, known as Ulto Ratha Yatra. Police personnel will be deployed along the procession routes, supported by CCTV surveillance, foot patrols, rooftop observation teams, mobile patrol units, plainclothes detectives, SWAT members, bomb disposal teams and traffic police to ensure the peaceful conduct of the festival.
Procession Details and Coordination
Authorities and organisers agreed that the processions would follow designated routes and adhere to scheduled timings to minimise public inconvenience and traffic disruption. Festival organisers have been instructed to deploy volunteers, discourage devotees from carrying bags or large packages, avoid using loudspeakers during Muslim prayer times, and immediately report any suspicious person or object to law enforcement agencies.
Festival Overview and Additional Measures
Describing Ratha Yatra as one of the largest religious processions in the capital, the DMP commissioner said deputy police commissioners would coordinate directly with local organising committees to ensure comprehensive security throughout the celebrations. Representatives of intelligence agencies, the Fire Service, Dhaka South City Corporation and the Ratha Yatra organising committee attended the meeting, where police also presented an overall security and traffic management plan.
Procession Route and Schedule
The main Ratha Yatra procession will begin at 3:00 pm from Swamibagh Ashram and proceed through Joykali Temple, Ittefaq Intersection, Shapla Chattar, Dainik Bangla Intersection, Paltan Intersection, Jatiya Press Club, the High Court, Doel Chattar, Shaheed Minar and Palashi Intersection before concluding at Dhakeshwari National Temple at around 7:00 pm. The return procession (Ulto Ratha Yatra) will be held after the nine-day festival, when the chariot will travel back to Swamibagh Ashram along the reverse route.
