Despite government prohibitions, a firework celebration is taking place in several parts of the city. To celebrate the English New Year, the authorities prohibited the use of explosives and firecrackers. Despite the prohibition, firecracker festivities continue in many parts of the city.
Despite government prohibitions: On Tuesday (December 31), beginning in the evening, youths and young people began blowing off fireworks and firecrackers in neighborhoods, streets, and rooftops. The intensity grew steadily during the night. By midnight, the continuous boom of firecrackers seemed to rock the entire city.
To commemorate the English New Year, law enforcement authorities and several government departments issued numerous bans against the use of fireworks, firecrackers, and lanterns. The Ministry of Environment has also planned to carry out mobile court operations against violators. In addition, a case has been filed in the High Court seeking strong restrictions to prohibit fireworks and firecrackers on rooftops of houses and buildings, as well as in open areas and parks around the capital.
Despite official regulations restricting the use of pyrotechnics and firecrackers, no visible steps by the administration to enforce these restrictions were made. Residents of several sections of the capital reported little police patrols. As a result, indiscriminate usage of firecrackers and explosives persists in many communities.
Meanwhile, the general public has expressed dissatisfaction with the excessive loudness. Children, the elderly, and people with health issues are particularly affected by this interruption. Some have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, questioning the actions (or lack thereof) of law enforcement officials.
Abdullah Bandhan, a resident of Hazaribagh in Old Dhaka, stated, “Even before midnight, I heard countless fireworks and at least a hundred firecrackers going off.” “It is impossible to sit still.”
Zebenur Hamid, a Mohammadpur resident, explained, “I am a heart patient, and the loud noises are causing my pulse to rise repeatedly out of fear.”
Despite government regulations barring all types of fireworks, firecrackers, and sky lanterns on New Year’s Eve, these prohibitions were plainly not followed. The official guidelines also stipulated that no events, meetings, gatherings, dance performances, musical shows, cultural programs, rallies, or processions could be held in public locations on this day.
