Police Commissioner Reviews Rath Yatra Security Plans
- Update Time :Thursday, July 9, 2026
CMP holds coordination meeting with festival organisers ahead of the July 16 Rath Yatra in Chattogram
ILIAS RIPON | CTG MAIL
CHATTOGRAM, July 9, 2026: Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali reviewed security preparations for the upcoming Sri Sri Jagannath Dev Rath Yatra 2026 during a coordination meeting with festival organisers on Thursday, reaffirming the police force’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure celebration.
The meeting was held at the CMP Conference Room in Dampara ahead of the annual religious procession, which is scheduled to take place on July 16. Representatives from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Chattogram, the Tulsi Dham Management Committee, and the Rath Yatra Celebration Committee attended the meeting alongside senior officers of Chattogram Metropolitan Police.
Chairing the meeting, Police Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali said CMP has adopted comprehensive security measures to ensure devotees can participate in the festival safely and without disruption.
He emphasized that maintaining law and order while preserving communal harmony remains the force’s top priority during one of the city’s largest religious gatherings.
CMP officials informed participants that multiple layers of security will be deployed throughout the procession route. These include picketer teams, mobile patrol units, foot patrols, rooftop observation teams, motorcycle patrols, Detective Branch (DB) personnel, plainclothes intelligence officers, SWAT teams, Bomb Disposal Unit members and Traffic Police.
The Police Commissioner also reviewed crowd management, traffic control and emergency response plans prepared for the event. He instructed officers to remain vigilant and ensure a coordinated response throughout the festival.
During the meeting, organisers and police officials agreed that all Rath Yatra processions must strictly follow the approved routes and conclude within the designated timeframe to minimise traffic congestion and maintain public safety.
Police Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali requested organisers to deploy sufficient volunteers to assist with crowd control and coordination during the procession. He also urged participants not to carry bags or other unnecessary belongings while joining the event.
Highlighting the importance of religious harmony, the commissioner requested organisers to refrain from using loudspeakers during Muslim prayer and Azan times. He further advised participants to immediately inform nearby police personnel if they notice any suspicious individual or unattended object.
The commissioner also cautioned members of the public against entering the middle of moving processions, saying the measure is intended to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth movement of devotees.
Festival organisers welcomed the security arrangements and assured police of their full cooperation in implementing the agreed guidelines.
Among those present were Additional Police Commissioner (Administration and Finance) Wahidul Haque Chowdhury, Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Muhammad Faisal Ahmed, Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic) Hosain Mohammad Kabir Bhuiyan, Deputy Commissioner (Sadar) Md. Ferdous Ali Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner (South) Md. Habibur Rahman Prang, Deputy Commissioner (DB-South) Sheikh Shariful Islam, Deputy Commissioner (Traffic-North) Nesar Uddin Ahmed, other senior CMP officials and leaders of the Rath Yatra Celebration Committee.
Every year, Rath Yatra attracts thousands of devotees across Chattogram. Authorities expect a significant turnout this year and have urged all participants to follow official instructions and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure a safe, orderly and peaceful celebration.
