Authorities in Bangladesh have imposed sweeping restrictions on public gatherings in several key areas of the capital ahead of the inaugural sitting of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, aiming to ensure security and maintain public order during the parliamentary session.
The decision was announced by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in a public notice issued on Wednesday. According to the statement, the first session of the 13th national parliament will commence on Thursday, 12 March, at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, located in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
To safeguard the proceedings and prevent potential disruptions, the police have prohibited all forms of public gatherings—including meetings, rallies, processions, demonstrations, and human chains—in designated areas of Dhaka. The restrictions came into force at midnight on Wednesday and will remain in place until the parliamentary session concludes.
In addition to the ban on assemblies, the authorities have also barred individuals from carrying firearms, explosives, flammable substances, hazardous chemicals, or any materials deemed capable of causing harm or environmental contamination within the restricted zones. Police officials stated that the measures were taken to reduce security risks and maintain a stable law-and-order environment during a period when large numbers of lawmakers, senior government officials, and foreign diplomats are expected to travel through the area.
Security experts note that heightened precautions during parliamentary sessions are a standard state protocol in many countries. The presence of cabinet ministers, members of parliament, senior civil servants, and diplomatic representatives often necessitates tighter control over access routes and nearby public spaces. In Dhaka, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar—home to the parliament complex—is surrounded by major administrative and transport corridors, making traffic and crowd management a crucial aspect of security planning.
Law-enforcement authorities have indicated that additional police checkpoints and patrol units will be deployed in the affected zones. Surveillance operations will also be intensified to detect and prevent any attempts to stage unauthorised demonstrations or engage in activities that could disrupt parliamentary proceedings.
The areas and road sections falling under the temporary restrictions are outlined below:
| No. | Area or Road Boundary |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mymensingh Road from Mohakhali Crossing via Old Airport Road to Banglamotor Crossing |
| 2 | From the western end of Banglamotor Link Road to the SAARC Fountain near Hotel Sonargaon |
| 3 | From the eastern end of Panthapath through the Green Road junction to Farmgate |
| 4 | Mirpur Road from Shyamoli intersection to the junction with Road No. 16 in Dhanmondi |
| 5 | From the Rokeya Sarani intersection through the former 9th Division (Aircraft) crossing to the Bijoy Sarani Tourism crossing |
| 6 | From the eastern end of Indira Road to the western end of Manik Mia Avenue |
| 7 | The reserved zone surrounding the National Parliament complex and all internal roads within the designated perimeter |
Police officials confirmed that security checkpoints will be installed at strategic points, while regular patrols will monitor the situation across the restricted areas. Any attempts to organise prohibited gatherings or carry restricted materials will prompt immediate action by law-enforcement agencies.
Residents and commuters have been advised to cooperate with the restrictions and to use alternative routes where possible in order to avoid traffic congestion. Authorities emphasised that the measures are temporary and intended solely to ensure the smooth and secure functioning of parliamentary activities.
The opening session of the 13th parliament is expected to address several legislative and policy matters, making the smooth conduct of the proceedings a priority for the government and security agencies alike.