No New Year celebrations outdoors

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has banned holding any programmes in open spaces, including roofs of buildings, on the New Year eve.  

“All forms of gathering and celebration outdoors and even on rooftops will be prohibited from dusk on December 31. Indoor programmes can be organised but the police need to be informed in order for police to ensure security,” DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia said yesterday.

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A large number of law enforcers, both in uniform and plainclothes, along with Special Weapon and Tactic Team officials would be deployed at major points of the capital, while a SWAT team and bomb disposal unit will be on standby at the DMP headquarters, the commissioner told reporters briefing on security measures ahead of the New Year celebrations.

Asked if there are any specific threats behind such strict measures, he said there were no specific threats but they were alert and working round the clock. 

The DMP chief said considering the current realities, especially the recent bomb attack by a Bangladeshi citizen in New York, they were issuing the instructions as “preventive measures”.

The DMP wants city people to inform it about any indoor programmes so that no untoward incidents can take place and law enforcers can provide safety to the people.

No reckless driving or use of crackers will be allowed on the night of the year end, he said, adding tough measures will be taken against anybody who disobeys these instructions.

The DMP boss also requested city dwellers not to stay at Hatirjheel and Dhanmondi Rabindra Sarobar after 8:00 pm on that night. Dhaka University (DU) campus, Gulshan and Baridhara areas will be restricted for outsiders after 8:00pm.

Checkpoints will be set up in Gulshan and Baridhara areas. Residents are asked to return home by 8:00pm and these two areas will be accessible only through Kamal Ataturk Avenue at Kakoli and Amtoli intersections in Mohakhali.

Residents wishing to enter these areas after 8.00pm will only be allowed to do so after a body check, said the commissioner.

Bars will have to be closed before 6:00pm on December 31 and the licensed firearms cannot be carried for nine hours starting from 8:00pm.