DHAKA, July 12, 2026 (BSS) - Extensive security measures will be in place for the upcoming Ratha Yatra festival of the Hindu community, with thousands of worshippers expected to join processions across the city.

At a coordination meeting today, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said security would be strengthened for the Ratha Yatra on July 16 and the return procession, known as Ulto Ratha Yatra, on July 24.

He said police personnel would be deployed along procession routes, supported by CCTV surveillance, foot patrols, rooftop observation teams, mobile patrol units, detectives in plain clothes, SWAT personnel, bomb disposal teams and traffic police.

Officials and festival organisers agreed that the processions would follow designated routes and be completed within scheduled times to minimise disruption. 

Organisers have also been asked to deploy volunteers, discourage participants from carrying bags or large packages, avoid using loudspeakers during Muslim prayer times, and immediately report any suspicious person or object to police.

The DMP chief described the Ratha Yatra as one of the capital's largest religious processions and said authorities would maintain "comprehensive security" throughout the celebrations. 

He added that deputy police commissioners would coordinate directly with local organising committees to ensure the events passed off peacefully.

Representatives from intelligence agencies, the Fire Service, Dhaka South City Corporation and the Ratha Yatra organising committee also attended the meeting, where the DMP presented its overall security and traffic management plan.