No outdoor celebration on new year’s eve: minister

The government has imposed restrictions on any outdoor celebrations of the New Year, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told reporters yesterday.

“All arrangements will be made to maintain law and order on the 31st night. No concert or musical show will be allowed at open spaces in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country,” he said after a meeting at the secretariat, discussing security preparations for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

On the night, all bars will remain closed for 24 hours commencing from 6pm. Additionally, carrying firearms will be banned from 4pm on December 31 to 6pm on January 1.

There will also be widespread anti-narcotic checks, he added.

City dwellers have been urged to refrain from using Vuvuzela and fireworks while celebrating the New Year.

The authorities have also taken special measures to ensure safe New Year celebrations on the Dhaka University campus.

“No outsider will be allowed to enter the campus after 8pm. Besides, no vehicle, except those bearing university stickers, will enter the area during the period,” the minister said.

Replying to a query, the minister ruled out any threat to law and order on the day.

Speaking on the Christmas celebrations, the minister said law enforcers and volunteers will work in coordination to ensure law and order in 3,500 churches, including those in Dhaka.

Special security measures will be taken at important churches, including the ones in Tejgaon, Kakrail, Mirpur and Banani areas. A special police control room will be set up ahead of the Christmas, he added.