Across the Capital 1,771 Eid Prayers, Strict Security at National Eidgah: DMP Commissioner

This year, Dhaka will witness a massive congregation for Eid-ul-Fitr, with 1,771 Eid prayers scheduled across the city. To ensure the safety and smooth management of these prayers, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has put in place a comprehensive, multi-layered security and traffic plan, according to DMP’s Acting Commissioner, Md. Sarwar, who addressed the media at a press briefing at the National Eidgah Maidan on Thursday morning.

Commissioner Sarwar explained that the 1,771 prayers will be held across 121 Eidgahs and 1,599 mosques in the city. Additionally, a special congregation will take place at the old trade fair ground in Agargaon, organised by the Dhaka North City Corporation. In keeping with Saudi traditions, three Eid prayers and eight Shia congregations were held in the capital on the preceding day.

The main prayer at the National Eidgah is scheduled for 8:30 am, with an expected participation of around 35,000 worshippers. Meanwhile, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque will host five prayers, beginning at 7:00 am. If weather conditions are unfavourable, the main prayer at the National Eidgah will be relocated to Baitul Mukarram at 9:00 am.

DMP has implemented multi-tiered security arrangements at the National Eidgah, Baitul Mukarram, and other prayer sites. Entry points will be equipped with archways and metal detectors, while the entire area will be under CCTV surveillance, monitored continuously from the control room.

The primary entry points at the National Eidgah—Matsya Bhaban, Press Club, and Shikkha Bhaban—will feature road barricades and security checks to regulate traffic. Police patrols will be strengthened throughout the Eidgah perimeter. For VIP attendees, enhanced screening measures have been introduced. Separate entry and safety measures for women have also been arranged.

Additional security deployments include dog squads, special branch sweeping teams, bomb disposal units, and plainclothes intelligence personnel. Watchtowers will provide comprehensive oversight, coordinating with other security agencies.

Fire safety and emergency medical preparedness are in place, with fire tenders and medical response teams on standby. Every other Eidgah in Dhaka will have coordinated security measures overseen by the local crime division, ensuring no prayer congregation is left without protection.

Traffic arrangements will include diversions at critical points such as Zero Point Crossing, High Court Crossing, Press Club Link Road, Matsya Bhaban Crossing, and UBL Crossing. Designated parking spaces for worshippers are allocated across locations such as the Public Works Department grounds, IEB premises, Doel Chattar, and roads from Matsya Bhaban to Shahbagh.

Below is a summary of key arrangements at the major Eidgahs:

After a month-long period of fasting and spiritual devotion, Dhaka’s law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to ensure a safe and solemn celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, blending religious reverence with effective security management.